Course Topics
Module 1: Solar Energy Systems 1. Fundamentals of solar radiation 2. Photovoltaic power generation 3. Solar water heating and storages 4. Passive and active solar heating and example of applications in different sectors 5. Solar thermal power plants 6. Integration of solar energy into existing energy systems: buildings and renewable energy communities Module 2: Energy Efficiency of Smart Water Systems 1. General overview on water grids 2. Energy and natural resources audit methodologies in fluid systems (analysis of the water-energy nexus) 3. Systems hydraulic modelling 4. Smart grids and devices for measurement/control 5. Data analysis: data management, demand characterization and prediction 6. Optimization of the water smart systems network also considering energy efficiency of machines, sustainability of resources, and electricity prices.

Teaching format
Class lectures (blackboard and slides) and design exercises using spreadsheets and energy simulation software. Lecture material (slides) will be available for download by the students.

Educational objectives
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) 1) Knowledge and understanding As regards Module 1, students will learn: • the fundamentals of solar radiation and the measuring techniques used to monitor these. • The basic working principles of a photovoltaic (PV) cell, its limitations and concepts on how to possibly overcome these problems. • System design principles for a PV plant, including shading considerations as well as tracking systems. • Special aspects of building and product integrated PV (BIPV and PIPV). • The basic working principles of solar thermal collection and its different applications such as solar heating (passive vs. active), solar heat for industrial processes as well as solar cooling applications. • The working principles of concentrating solar thermal power plants. • How to estimate the efficiency for each of the covered systems, as well as to be introduced to different ways to simulate the respective systems. • Integration of solar energy into existing energy systems, ranging from single buildings to renewable energy communities. As regards Module 2, students will learn: • About different types of water distribution networks (water supply systems, agricultural aqueducts, raw water conduits). • On hydraulic modelling for the characterization of water systems. • About smart distribution systems and control. • How to optimize prosumer systems considering the energy efficiency. • Data analysis and AI for systems characterization and demand forecasting. 2) Applying knowledge and understanding Capability to implement the procedures and calculation methods presented in the course and to develop design and diagnostic skills. 3) Making judgements Acquisition of critical assessment tools and critical evaluation of product specifications, in order to allow the design of both solar energy systems and advanced smart water networks. Moreover, students will be able to analyse and evaluate the potential performance, the efficiency and how to optimize a water network and system. 4) Communication skills The student will be able to discuss the learned knowledge with vocabulary and technical terms of the discipline thanks the project report. 5) Ability to learn Student will learn to develop in detail the optimization of solar systems and water networks, including integration in current energy systems, demand forecasting, choice of smart sensors, network modelling, energy market, data analysis.

Assessment
Each module will include an oral examination with questions aimed at verifying the knowledge and the capability to understand the topics of the course and the mastery of the technical language. The ability to transfer these competences to applicative cases and the developed autonomy of judgment will be evaluated through the discussion of the design work assigned during the course and the report writing. Formative assessment: Form: Report/project Length /duration: During the course ILOs assessed: (2), (3), (5) Summative assessment: Form: Oral examination, including presentation and discussion of a project report Length /duration: About 1 hour per each module ILOs assessed: all except (5). 100% Assessment language: English

Evaluation criteria
The same exam consists into two assessments (one per module). The adopted structure is the same for both modules: - oral presentation and discussion of the projects and deliverables of the individual working groups, with the identification and evaluation of the contributions of individual participants (40 %); - oral exam about the course topics (60 %). Possible / typical projects topics are: For Module 1: - Design of solar PV plant, - Design solar thermal plant, - Integration of solar energy systems into a renewable. energy community For Module 2: - Energy recovery from water supply systems, - Management of snowmaking plant, - Agricultural water supply system management.

Required readings

PowerPoint presentations will be available in the course reserve collection database.

Supplementary readings

- Renewable Energy Resources (John Twidell & Tony Weir)

- Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes (J.A. Duffie & W.A. Beckman)

- Water distribution systems handbook (Mays)

 

Additional material will be provided by the Professors

Further information
Connection with other courses: Module 1 - Solar Energy Systems: - Advanced Applications of Building Physics - Building HVAC Systems - Special Issues of Building Physics - Applied Energetics Module 2 - Energy Efficiency of Smart Water Systems: - Environmental Fluid Mechanics / Hydropower Plants - Hydropower and wind power Systems - Fluid Machines Engineering - District heating systems design - Electrical System Engineering Professional applications of the covered topics: Module 1 - Solar Energy Systems The module “Solar Energy Systems” will provide a state-of-the-art overview of the current technologies available on the market to harvest solar energy, for both thermal applications and photovoltaics. Students will also learn how to design such systems and integrate them into existing energy systems (e.g., single building systems and renewable energy communities), fostering the achievement of decarbonization goals. Professional applications can be found in companies designing, manufacturing and selling PV/T systems, in companies providing energy consultancy on solar energy systems, as well as in public energy authorities and Energy Saving Companies. Module 2 - Energy Efficiency of Smart Water Systems The topics studied will allow the student to find employment in companies, public and private bodies and professional firms for the design, planning, construction, and management of works and plants for water displacement and, in general, where the transport of fluids is important. The knowledge from this course will permit to the student to focus his experience on the efficiency, sustainability and smart management of water and energy distribution systems and to apply the acquired competences also in different fields (e.g. Efficiency of industrial systems, energy management of hydropower plants, sustainable use of water resources, prediction of extreme events, …)