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The Potential for Electrons to Molecules Using Solar Energy

In this online engineering PDH course, the potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) to supply low carbon energy sources to sectors of the economy other than the power industry is described.

Created byMark Rossow, PhD, PE (retired)
BeginnerUpdated Jul 20, 2022
The Potential for Electrons to Molecules Using Solar Energy

What You'll Learn

  • check_circleUsing solar energy to increase the energy level of various molecules through electrochemical processing
  • check_circleDetermining potential interfaces between PV and the organic chemicals sector
  • check_circleDeveloping pathways and technologies that enable decarbonization
  • check_circleAnalyzing sustainable production pathways
  • check_circleQuantifying electricity requirements to produce appropriate products at current market sizes
  • check_circleIdentifying products that can be produced via pathways that rely on electricity as a feedstock

About This Course

In this online engineering PDH course, the potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) to supply low carbon energy sources to sectors of the economy other than the power industry is described. Molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, and hydrocarbons are currently produced from natural gas and crude oil and are used in sectors other than the power sector. Processes to produce them emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases both directly and in upstream feedstock recovery processes. Electrons-to-molecules (E2M) technologies are being developed to convert carbon dioxide, water, and atmospheric nitrogen to desired chemical products using electricity, and they represent large electricity loads. E2M technologies are thus emerging as a potential application for PV; essentially, they can act as electrochemical energy storage and thereby provide a means to use the energy generated from PV and store it in molecular form. In this course, the focus is on potential interfaces between PV and the organic chemicals sector. Specifically, analyses are presented for sustainable production pathways for hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, ethylene, ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and methane. This course is intended for all engineers concerned with renewable energy and its role in decarbonizing the economy. This course includes a true/false and multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to highlight the general concepts of the course material. This course is based on the following document: Badgett, Alex, William Xi, and Mark Ruth. 2021. The Potential for Electrons to Molecules Using Solar Energy. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP6A20-78719.

Course Content

1 activity • 1 chapters • duration: 2 hours

remove
Section 11 quiz
  • descriptionNREL Potential for Electrons.pdf
  • quizCourse Quiz

Your Instructor

Mark Rossow, PhD, PE (retired)

Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years

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star4,056 reviews

Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.

Credit Information

Professional development requirements vary by profession, country, and regulatory body. Before enrolling, review the course details and confirm that the content, learning format, and any listed credits meet your specific requirements. You are responsible for confirming eligibility with your regulator or professional association and keeping the records required for reporting.

What Students Are Saying

4.8 out of 5
Student's Choice
5 reviews
  • DH
    David H.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Good course

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 300+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 27 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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