Objectives and competences
Objectives:
Understanding of different energy sources, their characteristics, and their roles in the energy landscape.
Knowledge of technologies for obtaining energy from various sources.
Knowledge of the impact of energy sources on the environment, society and economy, as well as the concept of sustainability.
Knowledge of energy security, geopolitical aspects and economic impact of energy sources.
Knowledge of transmission technologies and distribution of energy in various forms.
Understanding the importance of energy policy, strategy and the economic dimension.
Knowledge of different forms of energy and their transformations.
Understanding the importance of sustainability and environmental aspects of energy systems.
Competences:
To develop skills so that students can independently and creatively solve engineering problems.
Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate sustainable energy solutions.
Understanding energy security and the economic impact of resources.
Practical skills for designing energy systems.
Ability to cooperate and work in a team.
Creativity and innovation in the search for energy solutions.
Clear communication of ideas and findings.
Content (Syllabus outline)
1. Introduction to Energy sources
The Significance of Energy in the Modern World, Basic Concepts, and Terminology.
Categorization of Energy Sources and Their Roles in the Energy Landscape.
2. Forms of Energy and Energy Transformation
Various Forms of Energy and the Laws of Energy Conservation.
Conversion Among Different Forms of Energy.
Energy Transformation in Various Energy Devices.
Transformation Efficiency.
3. Fossil Fuels
Oil, Coal, Gas.
Extraction, Processing, and Distribution.
Impact on the Environment, Climate, and Energy Security.
Transition to Low-Carbon Alternatives.
4. Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic Cells and Solar Thermal Energy.
Wind Energy.
Hydropower: River and Marine Hydroelectric Power Plants.
Biomass and Biofuels.
Geothermal Energy.
Development and Potential of Renewable Resources.
Sustainable Aspects and Challenges.
5. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Power Plants and Their Safety.
Nuclear Energy as a Low-Carbon Alternative.
Nuclear Fusion - Alternatives for the Future.
Environmental Aspects and Byproducts.
6. Alternative Energy Sources
Hydrogen, Methanol, Ethanol as Energy Storage and Fuel.
Kinetic Energy of Waves and Tides.
Applications of Fuel Cells in Transportation, Industry, and Electricity Generation.
Hydrogen as Fuel and Sustainable Hydrogen Production.
Energy Conversion from Renewable Sources to Electrical Energy.
Advancements in Technology.
7. Energy Transmission and Distribution
Electric Grids and Transmission Technologies.
District Heating and Heat Distribution.
Oil and Gas Pipelines for Fuel Distribution.
Energy Security and Network Efficiency.
8. Economic and Political Aspects of Energy Resources
Energy Policies and Strategies.
Economic Impact of Energy Resources.
Geopolitical Aspects of Energy Resources and Energy Security.
9. Sustainability and the Environment
Impact of Energy Resources on the Environment and Climate Change.
Ecological Footprint of Energy Systems.
Advanced Methods for Storing Electrical Energy.
Integration of Renewable Resources into Micro- and Macro-Grids.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures (frontal teaching format without student involvement, frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Work with examples (frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Presentation of visual, video, and animation materials (frontal teaching format with student involvement).
Seminar exercises (application of acquired knowledge in solving engineering problems).
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding:
Students are expected to recognize the basic concepts and terminology and the importance of energy in the modern world. They will learn about the distribution of energy sources and their roles. They will recognize different energy forms, energy conservation laws, and the conversion between them, including transformation efficiency. They will deepen knowledge about fossil fuels, including the transition to low-carbon alternatives. They will understand the technological basis of renewable energy sources, as well as their development, potential and sustainability aspects. They will learn about alternative energy sources such as hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, wave and tidal kinetic energy, and fuel cell applications. They will learn about the transmission and distribution of energy through electrical networks, heat pipes, oil pipelines and gas pipelines, as well as the emphasis on energy security and efficiency. Finally, they will deepen their knowledge about the impact of energy sources on the environment, the ecological footprint of energy systems, advanced methods of electricity storage, the integration of renewable sources and the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Transferable/key competences and other abilities:
The knowledge will enable students to understand energy resources better and be prepared to solve energy challenges and sustainable development.
Applying practical skills to design energy systems and perform analyses.
Practical experience with simulations and real devices for transformation or exploitation of energy resources.
The student will be able to critically evaluate and compare different energy solutions and understand how these solutions affect global energy challenges.
Readings
M. Tuma, M. Sekavčnik: Energetski sistemi – preskrba z električno, energijo in toploto, 3. izdaja. Ljubljana: Fakulteta za strojništvo, UL, 2004
M. Medved, D. Konovšek: Energetski viri, Fakulteta za energetiko, Univerza v Mariboru, 2012 (zapiski predavanj – dostopni na Moodlu)
H. Md Monir. Energy resources and systems: Volume 2: Renewable resources. CRC Press, 2019
J. Twidell, and T. Weir. Renewable energy resources. Routledge, 2015.
Additional information on implementation and assessment - Calculation exam,
- Theoretical exam
- Oral exam;
