Course syllabus

Energisystemanalys: Förnybara energikällor
Energy Systems Analysis: Renewable Sources of Energy

FMI040, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2013-04-15

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Elective Compulsory for: I3
Elective for: C4, D4, E4, E4-em, F4, F4-es, M4-fo, MD4, Pi4, RH4, W4-p, W4-es
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

After passing the course, the student should have gained an understanding of the opportunities as well as the limitations for an increased use of renewable energy. Also, the student should be able to critically evaluate different systems for the use of renewable energy from different perspectives. The course departs from already acquired knowledge and relates it to the issue of sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

The course starts with an overview of Swedish, European and global energy supply, in particular with regard for renewable energy.

Potentials for renewable energy in Sweden, Europe, and globally are presented and discussed in relation to different restrictions, e.g., alternative and/or conflicting land uses.

A large part of the course is devoted to the production and conversion of renewable energy in Sweden and northern Europe. Biomass, wind power, solar energy, for heat and power, and hydropower are presented and discussed. The production of power, heat and transportation fuels is treated from technical, economic and environmental perspectives, focusing the complete chain from the extraction of energy resources to the final use of energy.

Towards the end of the course is discussed the political and institutional framework, and barriers to an increased use of renewable energy. Using the scenario technique, various possible future systems for renewable energy are discussed, relating to future energy use, and opportunities for a high energy and area efficiency.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: A written exam. The final grade of the course follows from the result of the exam, but the quality of the assignments (below) may add points to the exam. Two assignments (individual or in small groups) are required. The first assignment is a short literature study that analyses some important and current issue of the course, and is presented in the form of a short scientific report, which is also defended orally. The second assignment is an independent analysis of environmental and sustainability issues relevant to a chosen project for the use of renewable energy. It should involve calculations, which are accompanied by an independent critical evaluation. The assignments are presented and discussed in seminars. Mandatory attendance at seminars and on study visits.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: Minimum 130 higher education credits within an engineering program.
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Per Svenningsson, per.svenningsson@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: http://miljo.lth.se
Further information: The written exam is in the form of a take-home exam.