Module: Analysis of Mass Flow and Life Cycle Assessment (3403-470)

This module not offered anymore!

Persons:

• Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski (verantwortlich)
• Prof. Dr. Andrea Kruse (verantwortlich)

Degree Program:

• Biobased Products and Bioenergy (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  1. Semester, compulsory
• Biobased Products and Bioenergy (Master, since 01.04.2019)
  1. Semester, compulsory

Relation to other Modules:

The exercises are based on the same biobased value chains as in the module "Sustainability and Production Ecology of Renewables (3403-460)". The module makes use of knowledge of technical unit operations acquired in the module "Separation Methods and Conversion Technologies for Renewable Resources (4408-410)".

Prerequisites for Attendance:

Students must attend classes regularly from the beginning of the semester in order to gain an understanding of the concepts and learn to use the software programs. The module assumes background knowledge of the fundamentals and application of Life-Cycle Assessment, as acquired in the LCA module of the Bachelor study program "Biobased Products and Bioenergy". In addition, basic knowledge in process engineering is necessary. This can be acquired by attending the module "Separation Methods and Conversion Technologies for Renewable Resources (4408-410)" in the same semester or by having successfully completed the module "Introduction to Chemical Process Engineering (4408-210)" or equivalent modules from other universities.

Sprache:

German/English

ECTS:

6 credits

Frequency:

every winter semester

Length of the Module:

1 semester

Compulsory assignment:

Preparation of a process simulation and an assessment of GHG emissions and energy balance for a biobased value chain, written assignment in teams with presentation.

Final examination:

Presentation of case study results (1/3) and written report (2/3). The presentation is held at the end of the lecture period, the report must be submitted within the first week of the lecture-free period.

Workload:

56 h presence + 104 h preparation at home + presentation = 160 h workload

Professional competences:

Students are able to simulate unit operations and processes using AspenPlus, calculate energy and material flows and use these as a basis for an LCA.
Students are able to apply LCA methods to assess the environmental performance of biobased value chains. They can describe and analyse these value chains with regard to their mass flows, energy input and output and environmental impact and also develop recommendations for their environmental optimization.

Key competences:

The group exercises and report preparation help students improve their communication skills and ability to work in a team. Through the preparation of a life-cycle assessment in pairs, they practice their organisational skills and learn to work independently. Analysis of the data and methods used and discussion of the results trains the skills needed for critical and analytical thinking. Writing and oral presentation skills are practiced through the report preparation and presentation of the results.

Comments:

Maximum number of participants (due to limited number of PC's): 30
Prioritiy will be given to students for whom the module is compulsory.
Examinable component: report (2/3) and presentation (1/3).
You can find the module content in ILIAS under the module nummer on „Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioenergiepflanzen (340b)“. You will receive the password on request from the lecturer.

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