Course syllabus for Energy systems modelling and planning

Course syllabus adopted 2021-02-26 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameEnergisystemmodellering
  • CodeMEN115
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSES
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEnergy and Environmental Systems and Technology, Chemical Engineering with Engineering Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
  • DepartmentSPACE, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 39118
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0198 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c
  • 30 Maj 2022 am J
  • 22 Aug 2022 am J

In programmes

Examiner

  • Mikael Odenberger
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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Students ought to have basic knowledge of engineering thermodynamics, energy conversion, energy technology, numerical methods, energy economy, and energy systems analysis. In addition, students should have taken at least one of the following Chalmers courses: Sustainable Energy Futures; Heat and Power Systems Engineering; Industrial Energy Systems; or corresponding courses at an another university.

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide the student with basic insights on the complexity of energy systems; and to introduce the students to practical tools and approaches to solve analytical energy system problems. The course is based on real problems combining technical, environmental and economic parameters. It is focused on local, regional and national energy systems with special emphasis on interconnections between sectors and importance of geographical as well as temporal scope in analysis.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Predict the interaction between different parts of the energy system
    • Construct and apply the Reference Energy System (RES) concept (locally/regionally/nationally)
    • Examine system changes for any given change in the RES
  • Reflect and theorize around choices made in analysis
    • Reflect on the influence of energy system boundaries in analysis
    • Assess and explain effects of simplifications made
    • Conclude generalizable results
    • Discuss robustness of model results
  • Discuss marginal effects
    • Distinguish between marginal and average perspectives on changes in a system
    • Hypothesize on marginal effects and influence from temporal/geographical scope
  • Differentiate and discuss energy balance vs. capacity balance
    • Construct and apply load duration curves based on chronological load data
    • Explain and motivate the use of base-load and peak-load power plants (or production units)
  • Apply energy systems modelling tools
    • Distinguish between simulation and optimisation tools
    • Select and/or recommend relevant type of methodology for given energy system problems
  • Describe different electricity market structures
    • Reflect on how market design affect the system composition
    • Recommend market design to fulfil given goals
  • List energy policy instruments common/plausible in the energy systems
    • Analyse effects of different measures
    • Discuss the influence of policy type
    • Select and suggest a policy measure for efficient goal fulfilment
  • Reflect on the interaction between environmental impact and economic performance for common energy conversion technologies

    Content

    • Energy economics
    • Energy markets
      • Electricity
      • District heating
    • System analysis tools (energy systems modelling and optimization tools)
      • Background and terminology
      • Linear programming
      • Simulation models
    • Policy instruments
      • Economic
      • Others (technology stadards etc.)
    • Scope
      • Geographical
        • Local and regional energy systems
        • The Nordic energy system
        • European outlook
      • Temporal
        • Time scales in analysis
    • Energy and Environment
      • Large scale employment of renewable energy sources
      • Intermittent Power production

    Organisation

    The course consists of lectures as well as assignment projects including computer based modelling exercises. Assignments require written reports to be handed in. Presence at assignment introductions are compulsory. All material and information is distributed via the course web page in Ping-pong.

    Literature

    The course literature consists of a variety of chapters (from e-books available at Chalmers library), texts published at the web page and a number of articles, some of these are scientific papers. Some of these will be posted on the course web page while due to copyright restrictions others will not. Instead a list of recommended reading will be available at the course web page, and the articles/texts mentioned there are available at the Chalmers digital library or a link is given to a download point. The recommended readings give literature essential for the course (important for the examination) and suggestions for further studies. There is no single course book. Lecture notes (presentations) will be available at the course web page.

    Examination including compulsory elements

    The examination is based on a written exam and approved assignment reports and presentations. Presence at the assignment  workshop is mandatory. The requirement for passing the exam is set to 50% approval of the points in the exam. Approved assignments are valid for one year.

    The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.