CHBE 488/588

Welcome to CHBE 488/588: Carbon Capture, Conversion and Sequestration Technologies!

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Training the Next Generation of CCCS Professionals

It is widely accepted, by most, that carbon emissions have a negative impact on our environment, which has led to the accelerated development of a wide range of technologies and schemes aimed at capturing those emissions. However, few of these technologies have yet been commercialized and taken hold in industry. A core question is, why? Through CHBE 488 588, we will critically investigate the challenges and barriers of entry to the carbon capture, conversion, and sequestration (CCCS) industry while reviewing some of the most relevant technologies.

A more in-depth look at the course and how to get involved can be found on the course website.


CCCS Potential

In this course, the CCCS sector and its associated technologies are utilized to understand and learn the approach, mindset, and skills required to better define and solve carbon emission challenges.

We will learn to evaluate the problems and solutions critically, looking for connectivity between the two, even when there may be incomplete information.

We will learn in collaboration with others (from different disciplines, and vertical integration, i.e., undergraduate and graduate), examine our assumptions, and practice reflection to cultivate skills required in becoming a practicing engineer.

Carbon dioxide removal chart

2022W Case Study Sponsors

Since the focus of this course is understanding the CCCS industry as a whole, we are going to use your technical foundations learned through CHBE courses to evaluate and assess carbon cycle, absorption, adsorption, sequestration, mineralization and conversion technologies.

We will work directly with real world small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) at the forefront of  CCCS, and introduce the relationships among technology, policy, and regulatory frameworks.


Learning Approach

The course is case study-based learning conducted through teamwork. You will be working with sponsor carbon-related companies through case studies, where you will assess their technologies based on course learnings.

Select Learning Aims

You will leave the course with the ability to:

  • Integrate systems thinking in analyzing the impact of CCCS technology in climate change scenarios
  • Assess technical and economic issues involved in the design and operation of CCCS technologies through the preparation of a streamlined Techno-Economic Analysis (STEA)
  • Evaluate the environmental footprint of CCCS technologies through preparing process flowsheets, carbon balances, and streamlined partial life cycle analyses (SLCA)
  • Work and find solutions using incomplete information
  • Develop one’s tolerance towards ambiguity and uncertainty through building technology narratives
  • Cultivate one’s communication skills and abilities towards working in teams and with the learning community

Note: As this course covers a wide range of material in the CCCS industry, there is substantial course work to go along with being successful in this course.

If this course sounds interesting to you please read the syllabus or visit the course website!