ENERGY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Understanding energy systems and production is very important for the present and the future of human activities. The supply and use of energy resources and the reduction of environmental impact, consequent to their use, represent real technical and scientific challenge of great actuality.

Students will be familiar with the energy systems, the resources needed, and the challenges and limitations posed by current technology. They will be able to explain the general functioning of systems for the production of electricity, also knowing their advantages and disadvantages. One of the main goal of the course is to raise awareness about the importance of HVAC systems for indoor environmental quality and user comfort, while assessing the potential environmental impact.

The are no specific pre-requirements

The main objective is to provide a general knowledge on nowadays energy challenge.

In particular we propose to:

-Provide basic understanding on the concepts of energy and power, and briefly introduce the 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics.
-Provide knowledge on the production, distribution and use of energy in its various forms taking into consideration both renewable and non-renewable sources;
-Explain the operation principle of heating and cooling machines;
-Explain the link between air conditioning systems and indoor environmental quality;
-Define the impact of air conditioning on urban heat islands.

Lecture notes provided by the teacher.

Students will work alone or in team (max two) on a topic of their choice that involves the concept of energy. The work will be evaluated during an oral presentation of it.

The concepts will be introduced in class lectures, using also slides.

English

oral