Vak: Lab BioFuels credits: 2

To have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of:

• Chemistry to calculate the thermodynamic outcome of various (bio-) chemical reactions
• Thermodynamic and kinetic basics of different thermochemical conversion technologies
• Broad variety of (lignocellulosic) biomass feedstocks and energy carriers, based on their origin (woody/non-woody), chemical composition as well as physical properties
• Distinguishing the many choices in biological and thermochemical conversion processes
• The practical challenges that influence availability and reliability of a biochemical conversion plant
• The practical challenges of various thermochemical conversion technologies (pyrolysis/gasification/combustion) and based on various technical designs (fixed/fluidized bed/pulverized fuel), including general characteristics in terms of scales, emissions and system efficiencies
• Unit operations that are required for a given biochemical and thermochemical process

 
 To be able to

• Make mass and energy balances in biological and thermochemical conversion processes
• Set up a biological conversion experiment (e.g. anaerobic digestion or photo bioreactors)
• Model a biofuel production plant and calculate energy conversion efficiencies
• Recognize different types of biomass feedstock and upgraded biomass energy carriers
• Select a suitable thermochemical conversion process, based on biomass/feedstock chemical composition and physical properties

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