NWI-FMT026
Energy Modelling
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-FMT026
Credits (ECTS)3
CategoryMA (Master)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; Institute for Science, Innovation and Society;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 4
Lecturer
dr. J.H.C. Bosmans
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. S.V. Hanssen
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. S.V. Hanssen
Other course modules lecturer
Coordinator
dr. S.V. Hanssen
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. S.V. Hanssen
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2020
Period
KW2  (02/11/2020 to 24/01/2021)
Starting block
KW2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
 Upon successful completion of this course, the student
  • can perform basic energy systems analysis (energy and mass balances, scaling and learning curves, basic micro-economic theory)
  • understands the principles of modelling energy systems
  • has experience with energy modelling in an educational model
  • understands the basic assumptions, uncertainties and limitations of energy modelling
  • understands the role of energy models in the policy cycle
Content
When working in the energy sector, whether it is in a power company, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in an oil and gas company, a bank financing energy investments, a renewable energy technology developer or an international organization, projecting what will happen to the energy sector is key. Major decisions on investments and policies involving many billions of euros depend on assumptions and projections of the availability of resources, energy prices, future economic conditions and energy demand. Such projections and decisions are often based on quantitative energy models, which can take many forms. Decision-makers in the public or private sector need to be able to appreciate what energy models can and cannot calculate, and have an understanding of the results they produce.

This course provides students with a practical introduction to, and basic experience with different types of energy modelling. 
The course will discuss the following topics:
  • Basic energy analysis
  • Mass and energy balances
  • Learning curves, scaling laws, basic micro-economic theory
  • Common types of energy models, e.g, bottom-up, top-down, optimisation, simulation, etc.
  • Modelling the electricity market
  • Integrated assessment models
  • Application of models in energy policy-making
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
For students in the Science, Management and Innovation track: the Energy and Climate course (FMT022) should be completed. For students not in the SMI-track, it is recommended to have completed an energy-related course, such as a Huygens college on energy, Energy and Climate course (FMT022), or the BSc course Energy and Sustainability (GCSE002). For students outside the Faculty of Science, this course requires you to perform various calculations, so alongside the aforementioned courses, basic quantitative skills are required.
Test information
The grade will consist of an exam (2/3) and on a group assignment (1/3).

 
Specifics
This course is very suitable as an elective for mathematics, physics, computer science and (analytical) chemistry students.
Required materials
Book
Introduction to Energy Analsysis (2nd edition) - Kornelis Blok & Evert Nieuwlaar This book will provided for free online!
Course guide
A brief syllabus including additional learning materials (scientific papers, educational videos, etc.) will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Instructional modes
Course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Digital Exam
Test weight2
Test typeDigital exam with CIRRUS
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3

Group assignment
Test weight1
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock KW2