Fridolin Tschudi and various internal and external lecturers
The students are able to…
convert different forms of energy (with their different units) into each other
define, explain and discuss the water-energy-nexus
explain how different types hydropower plants function in general and how they impact downstream ecological systems
sketch and explain different types of turbines and generators
describe a wastewater based on its composition and define the needed treatment steps
explain the relevant physical, chemical and microbial processes in the context of wastewater treatment
explain how different types of wastewater treatment steps function (“classical” and “novel” technologies, “primary”, “secondary”….. treatment)
discuss the pros and cons of central vs decentral wastewater treatment
interpret and discuss the potential role of wastewater avoidance strategies
summarize and explain the current legal requirements for hydropower plants and for wastewater discharge
estimate the potential for hydropower generation at a given location
assess the feasibility for hydropower generation in a given location
dimension specific elements of a centralized waste water treatment plant for a given location
dimension a decentralized wastewater treatment plant at a given location
quantify (bio)-chemical reactions and the reaction volumes needed
explain the methodological challenges of circular systems
Use the correct English terminology for hydropower and wastewater treatment issues
take part in professional discussions on hydropower and wastewater treatment in English language
Conceptual links between water and energy, energy conversion issues
Energy issues:
aggregate changes and energy aspects on the molecular level of water
water flow in canals, pipelines and tubes
head losses, pumps, hydraulic schemes
Hydropower:
Introduction to the role of hydropower in the water cycle (history)
Hydropower resources, their evaluation and basic design issues of hydropower plants
Components and types of typical hydropower plants
Water turbines and generators
Hydropower in the context of legislation, energy policy and energy markets
Ecological implications of hydropower
Wastewater:
Filtration and particles: Mechanisms of their behaviour and removal in wastewater treatment systems (e.g., surface charge, theta potential, aggregation, settling, flocculation, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, passive and active membrane filtration…)
Microbial ecology of biofilms and bioreactors: Basic processes of microbial conversions (e.g., fermentation, anaerobic respiration, nitrification, denitrification, anammox, sludge formation and properties…). Dimensioning of specific treatment steps.
Wastewater treatment systems: central and decentral wastewater treatment systems, aerobic vs anaerobic treatment, conceptual approaches to new alternative sanitation systems
Water reuse in circular systems