FE411 Energy Systems

Contents and structure

National level energy systems commonly comprises of domestic resource extraction and processing, energy conversion and distribution, and energy demand services. In this course, the interplay between the various energy system components for increased renewable energy share in total energy use, flexibility in the energy system, and least-cost energy transition will be addressed. The integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, such as wind and solar, into the traditional grid involves daunting challenges at all levels. The future energy system thus requires a more flexible energy production and consumption to integrate more VRE into it.  The students will explore model-based system analysis for a knowledge-based policy recommendations such as energy and carbon taxes, incentives for green technologies, efficiency standards, mandates on renewable energy use, restrictions on fossil fuel use, and ban on the use of specific fossil-fuel based energy technologies.

The course also gives an overview of a deregulated electricity market such as nordpool electricity market and in particular the electricity production, transmission, and distribution in Norway.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• The students will develop knowledge about the basic concepts of energy system analysis and the use of energy system models.
• The students will develop knowledge about the general functioning of a deregulated electricity market and the role of key energy technologies in integration of variable renewable energy sources into the traditional grid.
• The students will develop knowledge about the fundamental methods for short- and long-term energy planning.
• The students will develop knowledge about the interplay between the power, heating, and transport sectors and the horizontal and vertical linkage of various energy commodities and technologies in a national/regional energy system.
• The students will develop knowledge about the basic economic principles in investments decision in an optimal energy system.
• The students will develop knowledge about writing a well-structured and organized scientific energy system analysis report.

Skills

• The students will develop the skills to model regional and national energy systems using energy system modelling tools.
• The students will develop the skills to design alternative energy systems based on local available resources.
• The students will develop the skills to formulate energy system optimisation problems.
• The students will develop the skills to write a well-structured and organized scientific energy system analysis report.
• The students will develop the skills to model and optimise the operation of combined heat and power plant in a district heating system.
• The students will develop the skills to model and optimise the integration of variable renewable energy sources into the power grid.

Competence

• The students will develop the competence to describe the main components of an energy system such as power, heating and cooling, and transport sectors.
• The students will develop the competence to describe the techno-economic parameters of an energy system.
• The students will develop the competence to develop energy system models for regional and national energy systems.
• The students will develop the competence to develop specific use cases to explore synergies in an energy system.
• The students will develop the competence to communicate scientific results with various audience groups using reports and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

FE405, MA415, & FE409

Teaching methods

The teaching method consists of lectures and class exercises on modelling and optimisation.  

Compulsory learning activities

None

Assessment

Portfolio evaluation:

The portfolio contains:

Five group-based project assignments. The assignments include energy system model development, optimisation, and analysis of specific tasks tailored towards the very objective of the course. 

Grading scale A-F, where F represents a fail.

If a student fails, an improved version of the assignments can be delivered for a new exam.

Examination support material

All

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