Energy Systems Engineering

Faculty: Engineering

The Energy Systems Engineering specialization focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of energy systems. Students develop skills in energy conversion, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Graduates are prepared for careers in energy engineering, renewable energy, sustainability consulting, and research.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of energy systems and their components.
• Develop skills in energy conversion, renewable energy technologies, and energy efficiency.
• Learn techniques for designing, analyzing, and optimizing energy systems.
• Explore principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electrical engineering.
• Analyze and interpret energy data and system performance.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering design skills for practicing effective energy systems.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Energy Systems Engineering
   • An overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in energy systems engineering.
   • Basics of energy sources, conversion, and utilization.
2. Thermodynamics
   • Principles of thermodynamics, including energy transfer, work, and heat engines.
   • Techniques for thermal process analysis and improvement.
3. Renewable Energy Technologies
   • Principles of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy.
   • Design and implementation techniques for renewable energy systems.
4. Energy Conversion and Storage
   • Principles of energy conversion and storage, including batteries, fuel cells, and thermal storage.
   • Techniques for developing and improving energy conversion and storage systems.
5. Energy Efficiency and Conservation
   • Principles of energy efficiency and conservation, including energy management in buildings and industrial energy efficiency.
   • Techniques for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
6. Electrical Engineering for Energy Systems
   • Electrical engineering principles, including power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics.
   • Techniques for designing and managing electrical energy systems.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
   • Principles of sustainability and environmental impact, including lifecycle assessment and environmental regulations.
   • Techniques for designing sustainable energy systems and minimizing environmental impact.
8. Practical/Applied Training
   • Real-world experiences in energy systems engineering settings, including internships at energy companies, research labs, or consulting firms.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical energy systems engineering scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Energy Systems Engineering
   • A comprehensive project to apply skills in energy conversion, renewable energy technologies, or energy efficiency.
   • Presentation of a polished energy systems engineering project, design report, or research presentation.

Assessment Methods:

Thermodynamics analyses, renewable energy projects, energy conversion and storage designs, energy efficiency studies, electrical engineering projects, sustainability and environmental impact analyses, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Energy Systems Engineering" by various authors.
• "Thermodynamics" by various authors.
• "Renewable Energy Technologies" by various authors.
• "Energy Conversion and Storage" by various authors.
• "Energy Efficiency and Conservation" by various authors.
• "Electrical Engineering for Energy Systems" by various authors.
• "Sustainability and Environmental Impact" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

A strong foundation in mathematics and physics and an interest in energy systems and sustainability.

Duration of Specialization:

A bachelor's degree generally takes 4 years, including coursework, design projects, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a master's or doctoral degree in Energy Systems Engineering may be pursued, usually requiring an additional 2 to 5 years.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in Energy Systems Engineering and pursue additional education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) or certifications in areas like renewable energy or energy efficiency.

Target Audience:

Aspiring energy engineers, renewable energy specialists, sustainability consultants, and researchers seeking careers in energy companies, research labs, consulting firms, and governmental bodies. This specialization equips students with the engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed to excel in energy systems engineering, supporting careers in various energy-related roles and industries.