Single-Course Engelsk 5 ECTS

Energy storage and conversion

Overall Course Objectives

This course provides sustainable energy engineers with knowledge of energy storage and conversion technologies that are increasingly essential for the large-scale integration of renewable energy at the system and grid level. Students will gain an overview of state-of-the-art approaches to storing electrical and thermal energy, including electrochemical storage (e.g., batteries and electrolysers), other electrical storage (e.g., flywheels), and thermal storage (e.g., hot water, borehole, and phase-change materials). The course places a strong emphasis on the underlying chemical and physical principles governing these technologies, including reaction mechanisms, material properties, and interfacial processes. Students will develop an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these systems, the materials involved, system designs, and technoeconomic considerations. They are also expected to analyse the comparative advantages and applications of these technologies.

See course description in Danish

Describe the current energy system in terms of demand by sector and how energy is supplied.
Explain the physical and chemical principles of different energy storage and conversion technologies
Describe the requirements of different applications for storage of heat and electricity.
Calculate the energy content and energy losses of different energy storage types.
Critically read, understand and analyse literature on energy storage to a level where its findings can be evaluated.
Compare the properties of different types of batteries and identify the most optimal battery for selected applications.
Describe the materials employed and electrical characteristics of different electrolysis technologies.
Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of different technologies for heat storage.
Evaluate which types of storage technologies are suitable for a given application.
Estimate and calculate the costs of storing electrical and thermal energy for specific scenarios.
Assess the comparative advantages of CO2-based energy storage solutions, including potential applications in CO2 direct air capture and sustainable energy systems.
Design integrated systems that combine energy storage and CO2 utilization, considering factors such as scalability, environmental impact, and technological readiness.

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, electricity and heat storage technologies and their role in current and future sustainable energy systems. It covers electrochemical storage (batteries, flow batteries, electrolysers), other electrical storage (pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, supercapacitors), and heat storage, including performance, design considerations, and techno-economic evaluation.

10333/28870, Bachelor in Physics and Nanotechnology, or Chemistry and Technology, or Production and Construction, or Electro Technology, or General Engineering, or Design of Sustainable Energy Systems, or similar.

Lectures, assignments and group project work.

Maryam Abdinejad

Contact or read more about Maryam

Henrik Lund Frandsen

Contact or read more about Henrik Lund

Jianhua Fan

Contact or read more about Jianhua

If you wish to achieve more in-depth knowledge of electrochemical energy storage in fuels/chemicals, you can also take course 47211. Please note that course 47211 is a BSc course.

Minimum: 10.

Please be aware that this course will only be held if the required minimum number of participants is met. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether the course will be held.

See course in the course database.