Lecturer: Didier Dalmazzone

Renewable thermal energy

Heat is the final result of the degradation process of any kind of energy and, as a consequence, it is considered low value energy. However, technologies exist to recover and transform heat into a more valuable energy, such as electricity. Considering that all the energy naturally received (from the sun) and produced (by geothermy), as well as the energy consumed by mankind ends up in the form of heat, there lies an enormous potential for renewable generation. In addition, recovering “lost” heat could be a part of the struggle against global warming that we have to lead in the near future. As the best renewable energy is the energy that is not consumed, thermal efficiency in housing and industries will be extensively studied in the course. The exploitation of natural heat sources will then be presented. Finally, the theoretical principles and technology bases of the conversion of heat into work and electricity will be given.

Main outcomes

The course is intended to give a comprehensive overview of the economic issues, scientific basis and technological developments of the exploitation of thermal loss for renewable energy production. After taking the course, the students should be able to:

• apprehend the issues related to heat management and thermal efficiency in industries and buildings;
• apply a theoretical knowledge of various thermodynamic cycles;
• assess and propose solutions to optimize energy efficiency in industrial processes
• understand the functioning of basic processes for the conversion of heat into work or power.

Pre-requisite: good basic knowledge in thermodynamics is preferable

Content of the course: 9 sessions (2h course + 2h training)

• Introduction (4 hours):
  • basic notions,
  • thermodynamics,
  • thermochemistry.
• Energy efficiency in buildings (4 hours)
• Energy efficiency in refrigeration and air conditioning (4 hours)
• Energy efficiency in industry (4 hours):
  • exergy analysis,
  • pinch technology,
  • unavoidable heat recovery.
• Geothermy (4 hours)
• Solar thermal energy (4 hours)
• Energy efficiency of the refrigeration sector (4 hours)
• Thermodynamic cycles (4 hours):
  • Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle,
  • Stirling motor.
•  Heat storage (4 hours):
  • sensitive/latent heat storage,
  • phase change materials.

 Langue du cours : Anglais

Credits ECTS : 4