SREE 4001: Efficient Energy Conversion

Instructor: Ahmed Abdulla; Kristen R. Schell

This course examines issues pertaining to the design of our energy system as a whole with a special focus on sustainable large-scale power generation. Benefits and drawbacks of conventional and alternative energy sources are identified. Thermodynamic tools are used to analyze power plant energy conversion cycles. Additionally, intermittent wind, solar PV, and run-of-river hydro power plants are described and equations are provided for sizing these plants given a set of realistic constraints. The impacts of renewable energy integration on an energy system are examined and the benefits of energy storage are presented. A set of techno-economic assessment tools are provided for evaluating and comparing the various power plants discussed in the course. The course includes an overview of current and future energy network topologies. The efficient operation of both the electrical grid and district energy grids is reviewed and technologies for coupling these networks are presented.