Thermodynamic analysis of energy conversion processes, power cycles and refrigeration cycles. Exergy analysis of conventional energy systems. Thermal conversion technologies.
Planetary thermodynamics, energy system evolution, energy services, role of renewable energy sources. Alternative energy technologies. Solar, wind, small-scale hydro, tidal, geothermal, electrochemical (batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells), and biochemical energy, electromechanical conversion processes. Techno-economic assessment of alternative energy technologies.
Energy/environment/society interactions; development of energy resources; energy demand and its determinants; policy dimension of energy and climate change; impacts on ecosystems; life cycle analysis; impact assessment and other tools for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of alternative energy sources.
Energy policy process and governance. Sustainable energy as a social and political challenge, formal government structures and process, actors in the policy, policy analysis, policy instrument, and energy planning and approval processes, including environmental assessment. Introduction to demand-side energy policy.
Engineering concepts of demand side management (DSM), energy auditing, analysis of buildings and industrial equipment, measurement & verification, and system data analysis. Energy efficient technologies for green buildings and industrial processes. Behavior and energy use. DSM policy concepts.