ENCN623-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017

Energy Systems Modelling and Analysis

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 17 July 2017
End Date: Sunday, 19 November 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 28 July 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 13 October 2017

Description

Critical analysis of 100% renewable energy systems; advanced energy system modelling; analysis and application of selected software for energy system modelling including EnergyPlan, Systems Advisor Model (SAM) and modelling of photovoltaic-diesel systems (ASIM).

Energy Systems Modelling and Analysis is a research-led postgraduate paper focusing on the exploration and evaluation energy systems at country-wide, regional and local scales.  It follows on from ENNR423 Sustainable Energy Systems and introductory energy project and lecture material incorporated into ENNR313 Design Studio 2.  A basic understanding of the laws of thermodynamics, the principles of electricity and possession of sound engineering mathematical skills are important in the evaluation of energy systems, and are assumed.  The course is open to students with suitable engineering, or science, backgrounds.

The course is split into three sections that reflect the general philosophy of the paper.  The course aims to provide post-graduate energy systems engineers with an understanding of sustainable energy systems plans and scenarios, most of which have been published over the past 6 years, along with an ability to create such models, either directly, or by using existing software packages.  In the first module selected sustainable energy plans, including those comprising 100% renewable technologies will be critically evaluated.  The second module focuses on the writing of advanced energy system models, with an emphasis on evaluating and optimising energy generation and energy storage.  In the third module, existing software packages will be critically examined and utilised to model real-life scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

  • At the conclusion of this course you should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate sustainable energy system plans and scenarios in the peer-reviewed and grey literatures.
  • Describe and analyse the modelling approach used in the above publications.
  • Create an advanced model of an energy system in which combinations of generation and energy storage are modelled and optimised on energetic and financial criteria.
  • Perform and critically evaluate associated life cycle analysis calculations.
  • Critically evaluate and utilise existing energy systems software packages.
  • Demonstrate high-level problem solving skills through the analysis and understanding of complex energy systems

Prerequisites

ENNR423 or subject to approval of the Head of Department

Course Coordinator

For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Assignment (x2) 60%
final exam 40%


The assessment for this paper will comprise three major components – two assignments and the final exam. All of the material covered in module 1 (renewable energy scenarios) will be covered in assignment 1, and all of the material covered in module 2 (energetic & economic optimisation) will be covered in assignment 2.  The third module (existing software) will be covered in the final exam, however questions may incorporate elements of modules 1 & 2.  Alongside this, presentations will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

The internal assessment for the course has two aims. The first is clearly for us to obtain information about how well you understand the material being taught. Such assessment is known as summative assessment. However the assessment also plays a second more important role, in that it provides you with feedback on your progress, and highlights things that you haven’t completely understood. This is called formative assessment. Make sure you do all internal assessments for the course conscientiously, participate in discussions and reflect on your work after it has been marked.

You cannot pass this course unless you pass all presentation assessments AND achieve a mark of at least 40% in the final exam.  A student who narrowly fails to achieve 40% in the exam, but who performs very well in the assignments and presentations, may be eligible for a pass in the course.

All assignments must be done individually.

All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Late submissions will not be accepted unless a student is unable to complete and submit an assignment by the deadline due to personal circumstances beyond their control.  They should discuss this with the lecturer involved as soon as possible.  A medical certificate should be obtained where applicable

Students in this course can apply for aegrotat consideration provided they have attended lectures and participated in class discussions.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,038.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

Minimum enrolments

This course will not be offered if fewer than 5 people apply to enrol.

For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .

All ENCN623 Occurrences

  • ENCN623-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017