Chemistry in thermal energy processes: efficiency, materials and circular economy

The courses aims to give a basic understanding of the chemistry involved in ash related problems, material selection, and circular economy aspects relevant for combustion and thermal conversion processes.

Course contents

Combustion and thermal conversion processes and the challenges associated with these are today more and more related to chemistry. New fuels and feedstocks are introduced regularly in an attempt to replace fossil fuels ad to move toward a higher degree of circular economy. This course introduces challenges for energy technology which are often related to ash chemistry or the so-called ash-forming matter. Corrosion, deposit formation, trace metal emissions, impact of impurities on products etc. may lead to costly shut downs of power plants and thermal conversion processes, to health/environmental problems, all of which should be avoided.

Learning outcomes

After the course the students

• understand the challenges between different fuels and feedstocks when designing new combustion or thermal conversion processes
• can define terms and concepts relevant to ash chemistry in combustion and thermal conversion processes, including ash reuse and circular economy aspects
• can describe the basic principles of industrial combustion and thermal conversion systems and the ash chemistry within them and ash chemistry relevant for ash reuse and circular economy aspects
• can explain high temperature corrosion mechanisms and other ash-related challenges in industrial high temperature processes in general terms
• can explain the principles for material selection for industrial high temperature processes in general terms
• can apply fundamental chemical theories for interpreting and addressing problems in combustion and thermal conversion processes, including circular economy aspects.

Course materials

Teacher informs the students about the course materials.

Teaching schedule

Lectures on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-11:30.

Completion methods

Forms of assessment can include laboratory work/demonstrations, exercises, home assignment(s) before and/or after course, course project, seminars, written exam.

Please check the schedule from the Åbo Akademi study guide.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.

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