Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing a deep insight in the use of renewable energies and in the calculation methodology of energy performance of buildings in civil and industrial applications.
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of this course the student should know the fundamentals of building energy needs and renewable sources.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The student should be able to analyze the energy problems related to the course.
Making judgments:
By the end of the course, the student should be able to evaluate, with critical mind, the peculiarities of the energy need and saving.
Communication skills:
The student should be able to clearly present his acquired knowledge.
Prerequisites
It is useful to have familiarity with the basic features of Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics.
Course unit content
Energy needs of buildings. Systems for space heating and domestic hot water production.
Energy performance certificate. Conventional and renewable energy sources (marine, wind, geothermal, solar).
Full programme
Evaluation of thermophysical parameters of the building envelope. Energy efficiency of plants for space heating. Components for space heating and domestic hot water, calculation of efficiency. Comparison of energy performance of different system solutions, traditional plants and heat pump systems: COP and EER, Bin method for calculating the seasonal performance (SCOP) of air source heat pumps. Energy certificates of civil and industrial buildings, standards for the calculation of energy requirements and application examples.
Energy sources. The conventional energy sources (coal, oil, gas, hydropower) and nuclear power. Renewable energies.
Marine energy: OTEC, electricity from tides and waves.
Geothermal energy: aquifer and cover; geothermal fields and power plants. Use of low-enthalpy fluids, ground source heat pumps and applications.
Solar energy: solar radiation on tilted surfaces; thermal collectors (flat and parabolic), efficiency, thermal storage, solar thermal systems.
Electrical conversion of solar energy, solar power plants and heliostats, photovoltaic conversion, solar cell technology, PV applications. Wind energy, analysis of wind sites; Raiyleigh and Weibull distributions; Betz limit; windmills and power plants.
Bibliography
Lecture notes.
J.A. DUFFIE, W.A. BECKMAN: SOLAR ENGINEERING OF THERMAL PROCESSES. JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.
Teaching methods
Slides will be used to convey the most important messages of the theory lectures.
The students will perform practice exercises to tackle energy problems.
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination is based on a written test in progress and the final exam written and/or oral.
The examination is weighted as follows: 50% written test in progress; 50% final exam (theory questions, application of theory also to original problems and speaking ability).
Other information
Lecture attendance is recommended.
