The objective is to introduce –for the first time‐ undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student to modern and future (renewable) energy conversion systems. For the effective understanding of these systems emphasis is given in i) constituents of these systems (anatomy) ii) the basic principles of (physiology) and iii) ways to maximize efficiency and reduce construction cost and pollutants.

Theory
Conventional fuels, Alternative fuels. Hydrogen Fuels, Production and Storage, Hydrogen Economy. Biomass.
Biogas. Introduction to Catalytic Combustion. Catalytic Methods for Energy Conversion, Catalytic Turbines, Catalytic Burners. Environment and Economy (3 weeks).
Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Fuel Cells, Electrolysis Systems, Superconductors, Lithium Batteries, Sodium Batteries, Electrochemical Sensors, Electrochemical Reactors, Membranes (3 weeks).
Photovoltaic cells, Thermoelectric Systems. Ion Propulsion Systems, Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion, Combined Fuel‐Gas Turbine Systems to Increase Performance. (3 weeks)
Laboratory exercises (4 weeks)
Performance measurement of a photovoltaic system Assembling ‐ disassembling ‐ Fuel Cell operation, and measuring its performance.
Combined fuel cell‐photovoltaic system for generating electricity & Introduction to laboratory analysis systems (gas analyzers, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, catalytic reactors).

• Φραγκιαδάκης Ι.Ε., “Φωτοβολταϊκά Συστήματα”, 2η Έκδοση, Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσαλλονίκη, 2007.
• Joshua and Kaia Tickell, «From the Fryer to the fuel tank. The complete guide to using Vegetable Oil as an alternative Fuel», Second Edition, Green Teach Publishing, 1999.
• A.W. Culp, «Principles of Energy Conversion», McGraw Hill Series in Mechanical Engineering, Second Edition, 1991.
• E.S. Cassedy, P.Z. Grossman, “Introduction to Energy Resources, Technology and Society”, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Greek

Lectures Laboratory Exercises