Optimization of Environmental and Energy Systems

The course deals with the theory and application of important methods for the optimization of energy and environmentally-friendly technological systems, that is, the systematic search for the best solution given certain circumstances and a certain goal. Example of systems to which the methods can be applied are municipal heating networks, refuse and recycling systems, the process industry, power heating plants, purification plants and national and international energy distribution systems.

The course comprises three modules:

Module 1 (5 ECTS cr): Further review of the calculation instrument MATLAB. Basic instruction of the simplex method, constraints, goal function, state variable and state space. Linear programming of combined energy and environmental optimization of existing systems. Lectures, laboratory sessions and supervision of project assignment in energy and environment system optimization with the instrument MATLAB.

Module 2 (6 ECTS cr): Thermodynamic methods for energy effectivization: entropy generation minimization, exergy analysis. Optimization with thermodynamic goal functions & constraints. Thermodynamic concepts and theory: general definition of exergy; (Dead state)/thermodynamic equilibrium; reference condition; extended system and immediate surrounding; entropy generation in interface; entropy, energy and exergy balance equations for closed and open systems; real work; useful work; surrounding work; exergy as state function; equations for energy loss and exergy change for closed system, open system with stationary flow and heat exergy in the Carnot model. Exergy loss and energy efficiency (Second Law Efficiency) for technological processes; exergy analysis for mixture and separation processes such as desalination and carbon dioxide separation; exergy analysis for combustion processes: air-fuel ratio; theoretical air quantity, air surplus, air deficiency; standard reference condition; adiabatic flame temperature. tLectures. exercises and hand-in assignments.


Module 3 (4 ECTS cr): Basic concepts such as pinch temperature, minimal need of external heating and cooling, composite curves and GCC /Grand Composite Curve) exemplified through current research and literature. Supervision of project assignment on either the design of a new system or suggestions for improvements of an existing system.

Progressive specialisation: A1N (has only first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Master's level

Admission requirements: Degree programme students: Completed courses totalling 120 ECTS cr for the BSc programme in Environmental and Energy Engineering (TGHEM 180 ECTS cr) or completed courses totalling 150 ECTS cr for the MSc in Energy and Environmental Engineering (TACBR-ENMI/INEN 300 ECTS cr), or admission to the MSc programme Environmental Energy and Engineering (TAMEM 120 ECTS cr). Non-programme students: General admission requirements to undergraduate studies and completed courses totalling 60 ECTS cr, including at least 7.5 ECTS cr in classic thermodynamics, at least 15 ECTS cr in energy engineering and at least 15 ECTS cr in mathematics or equivalent.

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.