Decarbonization of Heat – An Introduction to Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems from edX

Heat is the largest end-user of energy in the world. Therefore, decarbonization of heating and cooling supply in the built environment and related industries is of crucial importance to meet the targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In this MOOC you will learn the core concepts and use tools to help you identify sustainable heating and cooling solutions for various types of user demand profiles. We will start by looking at what determines the heating demand of buildings and processes, and how this be reduced. Next, we will take a look at what sustainable sources of heat are available and how to match them to requirements of demand such as space, time, and/or quality (i.e., temperature level). Finally, we will discuss technologies for heat storage, distribution and conversion. Additionally, experts from industry will showcase examples of successful sustainable heating and cooling systems.

After taking this MOOC you will have a clear overview of all the relevant technologies needed in the heat transition and understand which are best suited to which conditions including your own case. This MOOC is suitable for technical professionals who want to contribute to the adoption and successful operation of sustainable heating and cooling systems, but also for policymakers who need to identify solutions and policies to enable the adoption of renewable resources for heating and cooling.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define the developments of heating/cooling demand/passive heating/cooling
Demonstrate concepts of conduction, convection, exergy, solar radiation
Apply and quantify various sources of sustainable heat
Identify technologies for conversion and storage of heat

Apply and quantify constraints and driving mechanisms in heat supply systems.
Apply and quantify economics of heating systems.
Identify (societal, technical and economical) feasible solutions by combining sources, conversion, storage and transport technologies into an integrated heating/cooling system
After following this mooc, you will be able to:

Define the developments of heating/cooling demand/passive heating/cooling
Demonstrate concepts of conduction, convection, exergy, solar radiation
Apply and quantify various sources of sustainable heat
Identify technologies for conversion and storage of heat
Apply and quantify constraints and driving mechanisms in heat supply systems.
Apply and quantify economics of heating systems.
Identify (societal, technical and economical) feasible solutions by combining sources, conversion, storage and transport technologies into an integrated heating/cooling system
After following this mooc, you will be able to:

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

During the first week we will set the scene for the MOOC. We discuss why heat is important in the energy transition with clear numbers on use and emissions. Furthermore, we discuss why it is challenging to decarbonize the heat system.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners design sustainable heating and cooling systems, which is highly relevant in the construction industry

Suitable for technical professionals interested in sustainable heating and cooling systems

Explores various sources of sustainable heat, including solar collectors and geothermal energy

Taught by experts in heat transition and sustainable energy

Requires technical understanding of building systems and energy conversion

May require additional research to supplement the course's limited scope on specific technologies

Reviews summary

Sustainable heating & cooling: a foundational guide

According to learners, this course offers an excellent introduction to the decarbonization of heat. Students frequently highlight the comprehensive content, which spans from demand profiles to economic and policy considerations, providing a strong foundation for understanding the heat transition. The course is praised for its clear lectures and the instructors' expertise from Delft University of Technology. Many found the real-life examples from industry experts to be particularly insightful, offering practical applications and making the content highly relevant for professionals and policymakers. While generally well-received, a few learners noted that the course, being an introduction, can be sometimes theoretical or that its pace might be fast for complete beginners, and some found it a bit superficial for specialists seeking deep technical detail.

Covers crucial economic and societal aspects of heat transition.

"I appreciated the emphasis on economic viability and policy, which is often overlooked in purely technical courses."

"The module on heat economics particularly useful for my work."

"The discussions on societal aspects were very thought-provoking."

"I found the financial aspects in Week 5 a bit rushed compared to the technical content. Still, it sparked my interest in the field."

Delivers complex information clearly with expert instructors.

"The lectures are clear and the content is comprehensive..."

"The instructors from Delft University of Technology are clearly experts."

"Excellent content and well-delivered. The course covers a vast amount of material in a structured way."

"It breaks down complex topics into understandable segments."

Showcases real-world examples and practical applications.

"The real-life examples from industry experts were incredibly insightful, showing practical applications."

"I found the module on heat economics particularly useful for my work... The final design project really helps tie everything together."

"The detailed coverage of heat supply systems, including district heating, was very practical."

"I liked the examples from real projects, very inspiring."

Provides a broad and deep understanding of sustainable heating.

"This course is an excellent introduction to decarbonization of heat. The content is comprehensive, covering everything from demand profiles to economic aspects."

"Fantastic course! It breaks down complex topics into understandable segments. This course provides a great foundation for understanding the heat transition."

"Absolutely invaluable for my career! The syllabus is well-designed, progressing logically through topics. It's a foundational course for anyone serious about sustainable energy solutions."

"It gives a good strategic overview for policymakers. Still, a valuable resource to grasp the breadth of the topic."

Best for beginners/professionals, less for advanced specialists.

"As a beginner, I sometimes struggled with the pace and the depth of some concepts. More hands-on tools or interactive exercises would have greatly improved my learning experience."

"For a technical professional, some areas felt a bit superficial, especially regarding specific technology implementations."

"While the course provides a broad perspective, I wished for more advanced mathematical models or detailed engineering calculations in some modules. It's truly an 'introduction'."

"Good information, but quite theoretical at times. It felt like they tried to cover too much in a short time."

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 Decarbonization of Heat – An Introduction to Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems with these activities:

Review Basic Math and Physics Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation by reviewing basic math and physics concepts relevant to the course.

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous math and physics courses
Do some practice problems or online quizzes on these topics

ReFamiliarize with the Concepts of Thermodynamics

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Refresh your knowledge of the thermodynamic concepts that underlie the course material.

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Review your class notes or textbooks from previous courses in thermodynamics
Do some practice problems or online quizzes on thermodynamics

Review Reference Text: Heat and Thermodynamics Essential Principles

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Introduce yourself to the basic terminology, principles, and equations used in the field.

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skim the chapters
read the key chapters
explore specific topics of interest

Six other activities

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Organize Course Materials for Effective Review

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Enhance your learning process by organizing and reviewing course materials effectively.

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Gather all relevant course materials (notes, slides, assignments)
Sort and categorize the materials
Highlight key concepts and make annotations

Practice Calculation of Heat Transfer

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Enhance your understanding and problem-solving abilities in heat transfer calculations.

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Find practice problems or online quizzes on heat transfer
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

Create a Summary of Key Course Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding by creating a summary of the key course concepts.

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Review the course materials
Identify the key concepts
Summarize the concepts in your own words

Connect with Industry Professionals in Heating and Cooling

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Expand your knowledge and network by seeking out mentors in the heating and cooling industry.

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Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or online platforms
Reach out to them and express your interest in their mentorship

Design a Sustainable Heating System for a Building

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Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by designing a sustainable heating system for a building.

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Research different types of sustainable heating systems
Determine the heating requirements for the building
Design a heating system that meets the building's needs
Analyze the performance of the designed system

Monitor and Analyze Energy Consumption Patterns

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Gain practical experience by monitoring and analyzing energy consumption patterns to identify areas for improvement.

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Select a building or facility to monitor
Install monitoring equipment to collect data on energy consumption
Analyze the data to identify trends and patterns
Develop recommendations for reducing energy consumption

Career center

Learners who complete Decarbonization of Heat – An Introduction to Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Building Energy Efficiency Engineer

A Building Energy Efficiency Engineer may work designing sustainable heating and cooling systems for buildings. Enrolling in this course can provide a foundation in heat pump operations and heat recovery systems, which can be relevant to this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Energy Efficiency Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant may provide recommendations on how to make business operations more environmentally friendly, including through the implementation of sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in quantifying the costs of these systems may be especially helpful for a Sustainability Consultant.

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Energy Manager

An Energy Manager may be tasked with identifying and executing ways to reduce energy consumption in a variety of settings, possibly including the design and implementation of sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC may be part of the educational background for an Energy Manager.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer may work on projects related to preserving the environment, which could include designing sustainable heating and cooling systems. The course's focus on decarbonization of heating and cooling may be especially relevant for an Environmental Engineer.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer may design and build heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC may be part of the educational background for a Mechanical Engineer.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer may design and build renewable energy systems, which could include sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for a Renewable Energy Engineer.

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Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor may assess the energy consumption of buildings and make recommendations for improvements, which could include the implementation of sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in quantifying the costs of these systems may be especially helpful for an Energy Auditor.

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Architect

An Architect may design buildings, which could include designing sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for an Architect.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer may design and build infrastructure, which could include sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for a Civil Engineer.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist may work on projects related to preserving the environment, which could include designing sustainable heating and cooling systems. The course's focus on decarbonization of heating and cooling may be especially relevant for an Environmental Scientist.

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Geothermal Engineer

A Geothermal Engineer may design and build geothermal heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for a Geothermal Engineer.

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Hydrologist

A Hydrologist may study water resources, which could include designing sustainable heating and cooling systems that use water as a source of energy. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for a Hydrologist.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst may develop policies related to energy and the environment, which could include policies related to sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC may be part of the educational background for a Policy Analyst.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager may oversee the implementation of sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC may be part of the educational background for a Project Manager.

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Researcher

A Researcher may study sustainable heating and cooling systems. Coursework in this MOOC would likely be part of the educational background for a Researcher.

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