Lectures in course ME-409: Energy conversion and renewable energy

Introduction: Energy Conversion and Units

Introduces energy conversion, physical units, scales, examples, and nature's contributions.

A Carbon-Based Energy System: Energy Conversion and Renewable Energy

Covers the significance of energy in society, human energy needs, nature's gift of energy, and challenges in managing fossil-based energy systems.

Energy Issues and Global Economy

Explores energy trilemma, global markets, geopolitical impacts, investment, gas prices, climate change consequences, CO2 emissions, renewable energy potential, biomass integration, decarbonization, and energy management.

Course Organisation: EPFL Schedule and Expectations

Details the course organization, project on energy strategies, and evaluation criteria.

What is an energy system - Introduction

Covers energy systems, demands, conversion technologies, efficiency, and distribution methods, emphasizing the importance of energy flow diagrams.

Energy Systems: Resources

Explores energy resources, the shift in energy forms over time, and the distinction between renewable and non-renewable sources.

Energy Systems: Demands

Delves into energy demands, emphasizing the need to reduce them and improve efficiency in energy systems.

What is an energy system - Conversion

Discusses conversion technologies for transforming energy from one form to another.

What is an energy system - System approach

Explores energy systems through a system approach using EPFL heating system as a case study.

What is an energy system - Conclusion

Emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing energy efficiency.

Energy System Modelling: Overview and Optimization Problems

Covers energy system modelling, optimization, scenarios, predictions, complexities, and controversies in energy models.

Optimization vs. Simulation in Energy Systems Engineering

Discusses optimization vs. simulation in energy systems engineering, district heating networks, and scientific writing guidelines.

Solar Energy: Introduction

Covers solar energy conversion pathways, the sun's spectrum, and location-dependent solar resource availability.

Energy System Modelling: Model Goals

Explores energy system modelling objectives, challenges, and cost-optimal infrastructure for achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Energy System Modelling: Mathematical Formulation

Discusses the mathematical formulation of cost-optimal energy system modelling.

Solar Energy: Conversion and Semiconductors

Explores solar energy conversion to electricity and the role of semiconductors.

Energy System Performance: Introduction

Introduces energy key performance indicators to monitor, analyze, and benchmark different conversion technologies.

Solar Energy: Modules and Cell Characterization

Delves into solar cell encapsulation, behavior, MPPT optimization, inverter conversion, PV production trends, and module material efficiency.

Energy System Performance: First Law and Efficiency

Explains the first law of thermodynamics and energy efficiency in systems.

Solar Energy: Solar-to-heat Technologies

Explores non or low concentrating solar energy technologies and their system considerations.