Optimization procedures in environmental protection

This course is part of the programme
Master’s study programme Environment (second cycle)

Objectives and competences

The aim of the course is to present sustainable industrial systems and their dimension within social system.
The problems and potential solutions to environmental pollution are shown in general and in specific cases of industrial processes. With a focus on technology as a source of problems, as well as possible solutions, the course gives an overview of the subject in a broad spectrum of industry technologies.
In the course, students develop the ability of a comprehensive and sustainable approach to the problem of reducing the negative impact of modern technologies on the environment.

Prerequisites

Fluency in Slovene or English language.

Content

The course focuses on the relationship between societal and technological systems within the biosphere, sustainable industrial systems, material and energy flow in industrial systems, economic ways of reducing negative impacts on environment, reducing pollution at its source point, reducing energy consumption, concepts and principles of clean technologies, certain cases of cleaner technologies, environmentally-friendly product design, sustainable development.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to systematically evaluate and understand the complexity of the connection of industrial and social systems into a single biosphere. They will understand the importance of harmonizing environmental, economic and social aspects of industrial processes development. Based on a systemic approach and presented examples of good practice, the students will be able to assess the weaknesses and approach to optimization of manufacturing processes and products throughout the life cycle.

Readings

  • T. E. Graedel in B. R. Allenby: Industrial Ecology, Prentice Hall, 1995. Catalogue
  • T. T. Shen: Industrial Pollution Prevention, Springer – Verlag, 1995.
  • William McDonough and Michael Braungart (2013). The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability - Designing for Abundance. North Point Press. Catalogue
  • Dora Lee (2011). Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature. Kids Can Press.
  • Brian Walker and David Salt (2006). Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World. Island Press. E-version
  • The International Society for Industrial Ecology, 2014. E-version

Assessment

Seminar with oral presentation and discussion (30 %), report from the scientific evening (10 %), papers analysis (10 %), written exam (50 %)

Lecturer's references

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nova Gorica.

GJERKEŠ, Henrik, MALENŠEK, Jože, SITAR, Anže, GOLOBIČ, Iztok. Product identification in industrial batch fermentation using a variable forgetting factor. Control engineering practice, ISSN 0967-0661. [Print ed.], Oct. 2011, vol. 19, iss. 10, str. 1208-1215, doi:10.1016/j.conengprac.2011.06.011. [COBISS.SI-ID 11995931]

GOLOBIČ, Iztok, PETKOVŠEK, Jure, GJERKEŠ, Henrik, KENNING, D.B.R. Horizontal chain coalescence of bubbles in saturated pool boiling on a thin foil. International journal of heat and mass transfer, ISSN 0017-9310. [Print ed.], Dec. 2011, vol. 54, iss. 25/26, str. 5517-5526, doi:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2011.07.039. [COBISS.SI-ID 11996187]

GJERKEŠ, Henrik. Harmonizacija ekologije, ekonomije in sociale na energetski način. Didakta, ISSN 0354-0421, feb. 2013, letn. 22[!], št. 160, str. 14-16, ilustr. [COBISS.SI-ID 2677755]

GJERKEŠ, Henrik, PAPLER, Drago, ŠIJANEC-ZAVRL, Marjana. Sustainable development of power generation in Slovenia. V: GOLOBIČ, Iztok (ur.), CIMERMAN, Franc (ur.). Development and implementation of enhanced technologies 2011 : proceedings of the 3rd AMES International Conference, Ljubljana, Slovenia, November 29th-30th, 2011. 1st ed. Ljubljana: Association of Mechanical Engineers of Slovenia - AMES, 2011, str. 51-58. [COBISS.SI-ID 2052603]

ŠIJANEC-ZAVRL, Marjana, GJERKEŠ, Henrik. Sustainable energy networks : a hub for nearly zero energy buildings : presented at 3rd International Exergy, Life Cycle Assessment, and Sustainability Workshop & Symposium (ELCAS-3), 07-09 July, 2013, Nisyros, Greece. Nisyros: ELCAS-3, 9. jul. 2013. [COBISS.SI-ID 2911483]