Energy Supply Systems for Buildings from edX

In this course, you will discover the supply side of buildings’ energy chain.

The first step is to consider how to convert natural resources into the energy needed by buildings: what are the options to create heat, cold and electricity? You will learn about efficiency and use this concept to estimate building’s primary energy use and carbon emissions. This concept is widely used in many national and international policies and building regulations, and is essential to counteract climate change.

You will study the performances of single heating systems like electrical heating, gas, or renewables like biomass, solar boilers and geothermal heat, followed by single cooling systems like evaporative cooling and environmental cold.

We will also examine the systems that concurrently produce heat and cold. Do you know for instance that a heat pump and a cooling machine are identical devices? You will learn about the basic working principles of heat pumps and how to make sure they achieve high performance levels. After this course you will know how an Aquifer Thermal Storage makes smart use of the ground to deliver cold in summer and heat in winter.

Diverse electricity generation methods using turbines (wind, hydro), photovoltaics or hydrogen fuel cells will also be examined. You will learn how cogeneration of heat and power works and why this is important for the rational use of energy resources. You will also know why heat pumps are often combined with boilers or to which extent it is worth to invest in batteries for your solar panels.

By the end of the course you will be able to decide on how to combine energy conversion systems at building level in order to match buildings’ energy demand while keeping costs acceptable, using a minimum of natural resources and producing a minimum of carbon emissions.

This course is part of the PCP Buildings as Sustainable Energy Systems. In the other courses in this program you can learn how to design buildings with low energy demand, how to create a comfortable indoor environment, and how to control and optimize HVAC systems.

The development of this course is supported by Climate-KIC.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What the different heating, cooling and electricity generation systems are and what their working principles are.
How to combine the concept of efficiency with the building’s energy demand to estimate primary energy usage and carbon emissions.
How cogeneration of heat/cold and heat/power works and how to cope with mismatches between supply and demand.

What rational use of energy entails in practice.
How to use load curves from energy demand profiles to decide on the right combinations of energy conversion systems.

What the different heating, cooling and electricity generation systems are and what their working principles are.
How to combine the concept of efficiency with the building’s energy demand to estimate primary energy usage and carbon emissions.
How cogeneration of heat/cold and heat/power works and how to cope with mismatches between supply and demand.
What rational use of energy entails in practice.
How to use load curves from energy demand profiles to decide on the right combinations of energy conversion systems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundation for understanding building's energy chains, from natural resource conversion to heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems

Emphasizes the importance of efficiency in energy use and its impact on primary energy usage and carbon emissions

Covers a range of heating and cooling systems, including electrical heating, gas, biomass, solar boilers, geothermal heat, evaporative cooling, and environmental cold

Explores heat pumps and their dual functionality in providing heat and cooling

Discusses energy storage methods, such as Aquifer Thermal Storage, for sustainable temperature management

Examines electricity generation methods using turbines, photovoltaics, and氢 fuel cells

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Energy Supply Systems for Buildings with these activities:

Review Course Materials and Resources

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Strengthen your foundational understanding by reviewing and organizing course materials, ensuring a comprehensive knowledge base throughout your learning journey.

Browse courses on Compilation

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Gather all course materials, including lectures, notes, and assignments.
Organize the materials in a logical and accessible manner.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning.

Review prerequisite math skills

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Reviewing prerequisite math skills, such as differential and integral calculus, will strengthen your foundation for understanding the concepts in this course.

Browse courses on Differential Calculus

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Identify the relevant math topics.
Review your notes or textbooks.
Practice solving problems.

Review Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

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Refresh your understanding of thermodynamics principles to enhance your comprehension of energy conversion systems and their efficiency.

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

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Review the laws of thermodynamics and their implications.
Study thermodynamic processes, such as isobaric, isothermal, and adiabatic processes.
Analyze energy conversion systems using thermodynamic principles.

Eight other activities

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Solve Energy Balance Problems

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Sharpen your analytical skills by solving energy balance problems, reinforcing your understanding of energy conservation principles.

Browse courses on Energy Balance

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Review the concept of energy balance and its applications.
Practice solving simple energy balance problems.
Apply energy balance principles to complex systems.

Explore Advanced Heat Pump Technologies

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Enhance your knowledge of heat pump systems by exploring advanced technologies, improving your understanding of efficient heating and cooling strategies.

Browse courses on Heat Pumps

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Study the principles of operation of different heat pump types.
Analyze the performance of heat pumps in various applications.
Evaluate the energy efficiency and environmental benefits of heat pumps.

Explore online tutorials on building energy systems

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Exploring online tutorials will provide you with additional insights into the concepts covered in the course, particularly on topics related to building energy systems and energy efficiency.

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Identify reputable sources for online tutorials.
Select tutorials that align with the course content.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.

Design a Solar Water Heating System

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Apply your knowledge of energy conversion systems to design a practical solar water heating system, fostering a deeper understanding of heat generation.

Browse courses on Solar Energy

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Research different solar water heating system designs.
Determine the optimal system configuration for a specific location.
Calculate the energy savings and environmental impact of the system.

Discuss Cogeneration Systems with Classmates

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Engage in discussions with peers to explore different cogeneration systems, enhancing your understanding of efficient energy utilization.

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Present different types of cogeneration systems and their applications.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cogeneration.
Analyze case studies of successful cogeneration implementations.

Compile a Database of Energy Conversion Technologies

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Expand your knowledge base by compiling a comprehensive database of energy conversion technologies, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse options available.

Browse courses on Energy Conversion

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Research and gather information on different energy conversion technologies.
Categorize the technologies based on energy source and conversion method.
Include information on efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.

Design a sustainable energy system for a hypothetical building

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Designing a sustainable energy system for a hypothetical building will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a practical scenario and develop a comprehensive solution.

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Gather information on the building's energy needs.
Research and select appropriate energy-efficient technologies.
Create a design proposal and supporting documentation.

Explore Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

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Delve into the innovative field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, broadening your perspective on sustainable energy solutions.

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Learn about the principles of operation of hydrogen fuel cells.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells.
Research recent advancements and applications of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Career center

Learners who complete Energy Supply Systems for Buildings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain mechanical systems. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Mechanical Engineers who need to be able to design systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

HVAC Engineer

An HVAC Engineer designs and installs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for HVAC Engineers, who need to be able to design and install systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for HVAC Engineer

Energy Engineer

An Energy Engineer designs and implements systems to improve energy efficiency. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Energy Engineers, who need to be able to design systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Civil Engineers, who need to be able to design and build infrastructure that is both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Architect

An Architect designs and builds buildings. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Architects, who need to be able to design buildings that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and installs electrical systems. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Electrical Engineers, who need to be able to design and install systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Sustainability Consultants, who need to be able to advise organizations on how to reduce their energy consumption and environmental footprint.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Construction Managers, who need to be able to manage the construction of buildings that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Energy Manager

An Energy Manager is responsible for managing the energy consumption of a building or organization. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Energy Managers, who need to be able to develop and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Manager

Property Manager

A Property Manager is responsible for the management of buildings and other real estate. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Property Managers, who need to be able to manage buildings in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager

Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor assesses the energy consumption of buildings and makes recommendations for improvements. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Energy Auditors, who need to be able to accurately assess the energy performance of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and installs renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Renewable Energy Engineers, who need to be able to design and install systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Facilities Manager

A Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance and operation of buildings. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Facilities Managers, who need to be able to maintain and operate buildings in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Plumbing Engineer

A Plumbing Engineer designs and installs plumbing systems. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Plumbing Engineers, who need to be able to design and install systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Plumbing Engineer

Building Energy Modeler

A Building Energy Modeler creates computer models of buildings to simulate their energy performance. This course on Energy Supply Systems for Buildings provides a foundation in the different heating, cooling, and electricity generation systems available. It also teaches how to combine these systems to meet the energy demand of a building while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This knowledge is essential for Building Energy Modelers, who need to be able to accurately model the energy performance of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Energy Modeler