Designing sustainable energy systems is one of the most important tasks facing today's engineers. Indeed, the fossil fuel economy, while historically among the most important drivers of modern prosperity, has led to serious environmental and social problems throughout the world and is having long term deleterious effects on the environment globally. Designing future energy systems that decouple fossil fuels from consumption, while maintaining a high standard of prosperity requires a clear understanding of the role of energy in modern society, a knowledge of emerging fuels and conversion technologies, an awareness of the importance of conservation and efficiency, an understanding of economic decision making, and a clear understanding of the stakeholders, their goals and the boundaries under which they operate.

Suggested pre-requisites:

This is a highly interdisciplinary course, with underpinnings in engineering physics, anthropology, geopolitics, and economics.  No previous knowledge of these topics is assumed beyond a basic knowledge of high school level calculus and physical science. Problem solving techniques, such as basic spreadsheet manipulations and numerical methods, will be presented as we go.

There are five parts to the course:

(1) An Overview of the Worldwide Energy System, focusing on the current fuels used, resource availability, how people use resources in times of plenty and times of scarcity, and how this behaviour has led to environmental issues and international conflicts.

(2) The Physics of Energy Conversion, focusing on Thermodynamics, heat conversion to work and to electrical power, operation of the electrical grid, the impact of renewables on grid operation, and the rise of Virtual Power Plants and Hybrid Renewable Power Systems. We will also introduce the basic economics and finance of energy system investments.

(3) Engineered Systems 1, focusing on demand sector efficiency and the transition to an electric future, utility scale solar thermal and wind systems, utility scale storage systems, and hydropower;

(4) Engineered Systems 2, focusing on small-scale solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, embedded virtual power plants, and small systems for developing countries; and

(5) Wrap-up, focusing on the European, US, and Australian Experiences with Renewables. The module includes coursework and a final exam.