Course Syllabus

Energy Cloud: Engineering Localized, Digitized, Sustainable Networks

Semester & Location:	Spring 2022- DIS Stockholm
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Engineering, Environmental Science
Prerequisite(s):	Two mathematics courses, four courses in basic science (biology, chemistry, physics), and one engineering course, at university level
Faculty Members:	Chang Su, PhD chang.su@disstockholm.se
Program director:	Natalia Landázuri Sáenz
Academic support:	academics@disstockholm.se
Time & Place:	Thursdays and Fridays 8:30 - 9:50, E-508

Description of Course

Traditional energy platforms rely on energy extraction from fossil fuels and a centralized system for energy distribution to consumers. Our warming world, however, requires major transformations in these current energy systems. In Scandinavia, these disruptions are already underway. This course focuses on decarbonizing the global economy while moving us toward localized and renewable energy ecosystems. How do we shift linear, one-way power flows – from centralized energy generation to end consumers – to more sustainable, digitized, and dynamic energy systems? Study the technological and societal considerations needed to implement these new platforms, which aim to reduce our carbon footprint while moving societies toward the energy cloud – a dynamic and decentralized energy ecosystem that manages local energy sources, supply, and demand. 

The course has a modular structure, as follows:

Module 1: Renewable energy systems

• Renewable energy introduction
• Wind energy
• Solar energy
• Hydro power
• Geothermal energy
• Bioenergy
• Marine energy
• Energy storage

Module 2: Design of renewable energy projects 

• Assessment of local renewable energy resources
• Assessment of economical impact
• Assessment of environmental impact
• Assessment of impact on local communities

Module 3: Local renewable energy grids

• Design of decentralized grids
• Energy system business model
• Systems management for supply, demand, distribution and storage of energy

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe major aspects of renewable energy systems, including wind energy, hydro power, photovoltaic systems, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, marine energy and bioenergy
• Explain the rationale and engineering design behind renewable energy systems
• Explain design considerations of local and renewable energy projects 
• Explain the need and utility of sensors and cloud-based computing support to manage production, consumption, distribution and storage of locally-produced energy
• Reflect upon opportunities and drawbacks of building networks of local and renewable energy platforms taking into account societal and economic needs 
• Propose future steps in the design of energy clouds to optimize energy consumption in smart cities

Faculty

 

Chang Su, PhD in Energy Technology (KTH Royal Institute of Technology 2014 - 2019). Researcher at the KTH Research Initiative on Sustainable Industry and Society (IRIS) platform. Chang specializes in energy sector subjects, including renewable energy, heating systems and data science in energy systems analysis. Has taught courses in energy management, heat transfer and energy policy and market. With DIS since 2021.

Readings

Textbook: Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy (2019). McGraw-Hill. By Mehmet Kanoglu, Yunus Cengel, John Cimbala.

• Chapter 1:  Introduction to Renewable Energy, 1.1
• Chapter 2:  Review of Thermal Sciences, 2.1-2.7
• Chapter 3:  Fundamentals of Solar Energy, 3.1-3.4
• Chapter 4:  Solar Energy Applications, 4.1-4.4, 4.6
• Chapter 5:  Wind Energy, 5.1-5.6
• Chapter 6:  Hydropower, 6.1-6.6
• Chapter 7:  Geothermal Energy, 7.1-7.7
• Chapter 8:  Biomass, 8.1-8.6
• Chapter 9:  Ocean Energy, 9.1-9.4
• Chapter 11:  Economics of Renewable Energy, 11.1-11.4

We will have two course-integrated field studies to learn about how renewable energy systems and non-centralized energy grids are designed, built, optimized or utilized. 

The first field study will be a visit to the Energy Department's laboratories at Kungliga Tekniska Högskola (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Sweden. KTH's Energy Platform connects more than 450 researchers in 17 research areas related to energy issues.

The second field study will be a visit to the KTH Live-in Lab which is part of the KTH Energy Platform. The Live-in Lab is a human built-environment lab with a great number of sensors recording all types of energy and indoor climate data. This digitalized platform provides opportunities for researchers to investigate sustainability innovations.

Guest Lectures

Guest lecturers (experts in specific aspects of the energy cloud) may be invited to talk about topics of particular interest to students.

Approach to Teaching

We use various teaching methods, including interactive lectures, class discussions, critical analysis of reading material, field studies, and group work. We analyse  state-of-the-art published research in the form of journal club. The pace and specific activities planned for certain days may change, depending on your interests.

Expectations of the Students

• You should participate actively during lectures, discussions, group work, and exercises.
• Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.
• Readings must be done prior to the class session. A considerable part of the class depends on class discussions.
• In addition to completing all assignments and exams, you need to be present, arrive on time, and actively participate in all classes and field studies to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected, adversely, by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Your participation grade will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for every unexcused absence. Remember to be in class on time!
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
• You are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.

Evaluation

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class, all of the assigned work must be completed.

You are expected to turn in all assignments on the due date. If an assignment is turned in after the due date, your assignment grade will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for each day the submission is late.

Grading

Active participation: Includes attendance, preparation for lectures and other sessions, active participation in learning activities, and class discussions. 

Exams: Closed-book exams to evaluate your understanding of material covered in class.

Assignments:  Assignments related to field studies, graded surveys in preparation for class, quizzes related to reading material, and quizzes related to journal club.

Journal club: Journal club consists of group work, presentations, and class discussions. These serve to develop our skills in critical thinking, critical reading, teamwork, structuring information for presentations, and developing presentations. You will work in groups to present a scientific article focused on the latest developments related to renewable energy systems, energy grids or management of energy supply and demand. Each group should clearly present the findings and conclusions of the article. The journal club presentation should follow a logical and clear structure. It should include the most relevant information on the background, methods, results and perspectives of the paper, along with a well-reasoned critique of methodologies and conclusions. The rest of the class should read the paper and prepare 1-2 questions each, for the presenting group.

Final project and presentation. At the end of the semester, students conduct a research project where they analyze engineering principles, structure, affordances and limitations of an energy cloud currently established or under development. As part of this project, students also propose modifications or future developments for this cloud, with focus on societal needs, economy and sustainability. Students will prepare an oral presentation of their project, and submit a written report.

Active participation	10%
Exams	40%
Assignments	15%
Journal club	15%
Final project	20%

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code 

 

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