Course Details in 2027/28 Session

Module Title	LM Power Generation and Carbon Abatement
School	Chemical Engineering
Department	Chemical Engineering
Module Code	04 40407
Module Lead	Prof Chenggong (Brian) Sun (c.sun.2@bham.ac.uk)
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Seminar-2 hours Tutorial-6 hours Guided independent study-68 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The required transition to a low-carbon economy because of climate change calls for the sustainable re-infrastructuring of our power/energy generation industry, with many low-carbon generation technologies having already shaped the power generation sector while new technologies and proofs of concept keep emerging all the time. This module aims to enable students to acquire the detailed knowledge and understanding of modern power generation systems, new and emerging low-carbon generation technologies/concepts, and carbon abatement technologies varying from energy efficiency measures, fuel switching to carbon capture & storage (CCS) technologies etc. Summary of content: The physical science behind climate change & low-carbon transitioning of power and energy industry Modern power generation systems (conventional and renewable generation (conventional and non-conventional renewable), and new and emerging generation technologies/concepts. Advanced combustion technologies and thermodynamic cycles for energy efficiency in power generation Carbon abatement technologies for decarbonising power generation, including energy efficiency measures, fuel switching, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) encompassing CO2 capture, compression, pipeline transportation, and geological storage and related legal, financial and environmental aspects. Zero/negative-carbon emission power generation technologies/concepts Economic, societal, safety and ethical considerations.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Acquire a detailed knowledge and understanding of modern power generation systems and new and emerging generation technologies/concepts from using conventional and non-conventional renewable energy sources (e.g., bioenergy, solar, wind, geothermal etc.). Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of carbon abatement technologies and underlying chemical and physical principles for decarbonisation of power generation, including energy efficiency measures, fuel switching, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The latter comprises CO2 capture, compression, pipeline transportation, and geological storage and related legal, financial, environmental, safety and regulation aspects. Demonstrate a clear understanding of efficient combustion systems and related multi-pollutants control and thermodynamic cycles for energy efficiency in power generation. Gain broad knowledge and critical awareness of developments in decarbonised fuel energy systems. Apply skills to analyse and critically evaluate the sustainability, economic, societal and ethical aspects of low-carbon power and energy generation technologies/systems.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: The module will be assessed via a combination of group coursework and formal exam: Group coursework (with peer assessment): 50% (Groupwork essay of 3000 words excl. figures and tables) 1 hour written unseen centrally timetabled examination (50%) Reassessment: 100% written unseen exam paper (2 hours).
Other
Reading List