Module Details

Module Code: INTR8021
Title: Energy Systems Modelling
Long Title: Energy Systems Modelling
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module covers the main aspects involved in energy performance modelling & simulation techniques for sustainable thermal energy systems. it develops the necessary knowledge required to undertake performance assessments of thermal energy systems. The module utilizes Microsoft Excel, SAM, Retscreen and TRNSYS modelling packages as required to complete simulations of mathematical models.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the principles and stages involved in the energy performance modelling & simulation of an thermal energy system
LO2 Determine the most suitable modelling technique for a particular energy system and simulate system performance
LO3 Analyse the results of a energy system simulation exercise using modelling and data analysis software tools.
LO4 Evaluate and compare the results of an energy modelling study with experimental data.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
103 SOFT6005 Programming Fundamentals I
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
 
 
Indicative Content
Overview of thermal modelling & simulation:
Overview of system level modelling, modelling vs simulation, sequential simulation, simultaneous simulation, current modelling tools available, software applications, overview of current industry and research community modelling & simulation techniques
Intro to system modelling methods:
descriptive treatment of model types, Identification of suitable models for different applications, steady state vs periodic/transient, overview of RC Network models & data based models, application of techniques
System modelling theory:
Inputs (variables & constants,) Parameters(system characteristics, equations & response), Outputs (KPI, integrated values, cumulative values, parametric analysis), construction of energy system model,
System modelling tools:
execution of basic “simulation” using excel VBA & Macros, basic modelling with TRNSYS17, SAM, RetScreen, parameter based modelling, data based modelling
Application Of Modelling Techniques
Development of an energy system model, first principles modelling using excel, analysis of results, use of dynamic simulation, performance analysis and reporting
Weather Data in System Simulation
Weather data for energy systems simulation, files types, required weather variables, Statistical meteorological data, extreme weather datasets, outliers, statistical analysis of weather data, Overview of degree day models, meteonorm & IWEC.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Class examination based on lecture material
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Lab based assignment - construct an energy model, simulate and analyse outputs
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Class examination based on lecture material
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Modelling assignment - Use of Excel, SAM or Retscreen to evaluate the performance of an energy system
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory, discussion & Tutorials Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Computer Laboratory Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jan L M Hensen (Editor), Roberto Lamberts (Editor). (2011), Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation, First. Spon Press / IBPSA, [ISBN: 9780415474146].
  • J. A. Clarke. (2001), Energy simulation in building design, Butterworth-Heinemann, [ISBN: 0750650826].
  • Chris Underwood & Francis Yik. (2004), Modelling methods for energy in buildings, Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 0632059362].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John A Duffie. (2013), Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, 4th. 19-22, John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 0470873663].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 7 Mandatory
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 7 Mandatory