Aims of course:

· Understand the context of biofuels in relation to energy supply and both national and international energy policies.

· Understand the economics of biomass heat generation systems and legislative requirements

· Describe the characteristics of biofuels.

· Explain in detail the stages of the biomass combustion process

· Design and optimise the layout of biomass combustion plants

Content:

· Global Energy and the Utilisation of Wood Energy in Ireland and Europe: Justify the environmental and economic arguments for the installation and use of wood-burning heating systems; Outline current European energy policy for renewable energy sources; Recognise the market potential of wood based energy systems in Ireland, The Kyoto Protocol and Irish national targets, Explain biomass heating systems as sustainable and CO2 neutral.

· Characteristics of Bio-fuels: Describe the characteristics of solid bio-fuels and their most important effects; Define wood-based fuels; Explain moisture content, calorific value, bulk density and energy potential of bio-fuels; List the stages of the biomass combustion process; Recognise the parameters influencing biomass combustion; Explain the combustion principals and emissions of biomass combustion.

· Stages of the Biomass Combustion Process: Describe the issues relating to pellet and wood chip storage; Explain automatic fuel feeding systems; List the advantages and drawbacks of the technology, Describe pellet combustion technologies classification, functional principals, operation modes and safety devices; Identify hydraulic systems elements: generator, distribution and transfer circuit; Describe the buffer accumulator, its types, functional principals and hydraulic integration.

· Layout of Biomass Combustion Plants: Calculate the heat energy and the heat load of existing buildings using elemental uvalues in accordance with building regulations; Explain the difference between static and dynamic calculation methods; Evaluate different generation systems; Predict fuel demand based on energy outputs. Calculate pressure drop in pipes, elbows, valves etc; Define the method of calculating buffer storage capacity; Explain the procedure of hydraulic balancing.

· Economics of Biomass Heat Generation Systems and Legislative Requirements: Describe the difference between static and dynamic calculation; Compare different generation systems; Interpret the building regulations relating to heating systems; Identify the standards of wood fuel (size, moisture content etc.); Outline testing and certification standards.

The course will be delivered utilizing GMIT’s new Energy Lab which contains a working model of Biomass to underfloor heating and radiators plus Biomass with energy storage to domestic hot water.

Entry Requirement

The  Module credits available from the Energy Installations module (which has components - Solar, Wind, Biomass & Heat Pumps) may be accumulated towards a full award under GMIT’s Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Modules (ACCM) policies. Be advised however that to be registered on SEI's Greener Home Scheme, SEI require that you have a National Certificate Level 6 Advanced Certificate/Higher Certificate in Craft - Plumbing or equivalent.

Examination

Students who obtain a sufficient result on the assessment of this course and the SOLAR Energy Technologies and Installations course  shall receive a GMIT Single Subject Certificate for 5 Credits at Level 6 (Ordinary Degree).

A module from Bachelor of Engineering (Ordinary) in Energy Engineering

Fee:   €695 module fee, includes HETAC exam fees.

A substantially reduced fee of €420 for the module applies to qualifying members of Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet. Contact Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (www.renewableenergy.ie  info@www.renewableenergy.ie    Tel: 061 514598) to see if you are  eligible for this reduced fee.

Duration: 6 days

Location:  GMIT Dublin Road Campus

Start date: Will be run in 2011

Lecturer:  Donal Reilly

Applications for module at the reduced fee should be made directly to Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet. If you do not qualify  , you may apply directly to GMIT using this application form.

For your convenience, a Postal Application can be downloaded

Coordinator:  Peter Butler 091-742270 peter.butler@gmit.ie