Predmet študente seznani z metodami in orodji za modeliranje, analizo in simulacijo energetskih sistemov, vključno s konvencionalnimi in obnovljivimi viri energije ter tehnologijami za shranjevanje energije, ki podpirajo sodobne energetske sisteme in prehod na obnovljive ter decentralizirane vire energije. Glavni poudarek bo na razumevanju modeliranja kot orodja za podporo odločanju, ki povezuje fizikalno obnašanje sistemov z inženirskimi, okoljskimi in ekonomskimi cilji. Študenti se bodo naučili razvijati matematične modele, uporabljati simulacijsko programsko opremo ter interpretirati obnašanje sistemov v različnih obratovalnih scenarijih. Prav tako bodo spoznali, kako lahko modeliranje in simulacija podpirata strateško odločanje pri energetskem načrtovanju in oblikovanju energetskih in podnebnih politik. Poudarek bo tudi na sodobnih principih delovanja hranilnikov energije, njihovi zasnovi, ocenjevanju učinkovitosti in možnostih za integracijo v večje sisteme. Študenti se bodo naučili modelirati, simulirati in analizirati sisteme za shranjevanje energije, ocenjevati njihovo ekonomsko upravičenost ter razumeti njihovo vlogo pri nadaljnjem razvoju elektroenergetskih omrežij, razvoju elektromobilnosti in povečanju energetske učinkovitosti.
Predmet se bo začel z uvodnim predavanjem o konceptu energetskih sistemov in njihovi vlogi v sodobnem inženirstvu in kontekstu trajnostnega razvoja. Predstavljeni bodo temeljni koncepti modeliranja, vključno z razvrstitvijo modelov (empirični, fizikalni in hibridni), ravnmi abstrakcije ter razlikami med statičnimi in dinamičnimi modeli. Poseben poudarek bo namenjen razumevanju, kako matematični modeli opisujejo in ponazarjajo fizikalne procese. Predstavljen bo tudi koncept sistemskih meja, vključno z energijsko in masno bilanco.
Predstavljena bodo osnovna termodinamična in toplotna načela, ki določajo delovanje energetskih sistemov. Študenti se bodo naučili oblikovati energijske bilance in modelirati ključne termodinamične procese v industriji, proizvodnji električne energije in sistemih za daljinsko ogrevanje.
Poleg tega bodo študenti spoznali različne tehnologije shranjevanja energije (električne, toplotne, mehanske in kemične) ter njihove tehnične značilnosti. Podrobno bodo obravnavani temeljni pojmi, kot so energijska gostota, nazivna moč, učinkovitost in časovna kategorizacija tehnologij. Razpravljalo se bo o vlogi shranjevanja pri uravnoteženju elektroenergetskega sistema, regulaciji frekvence in strategijah razogljičenja.
Predstavljeni bodo tudi ključni koncepti shranjevanja toplote in uporabe materialov s fazno spremembo, z analizo različnih konfiguracij sistemov in njihovih področij uporabe. Obravnavan bo vodik kot nosilec energije, vključno s proizvodnjo (elektroliza), shranjevanjem (v stisnjeni, utekočinjeni ali trdni obliki) ter uporabo v gorivnih celicah. Predstavljene bodo možnosti integracije vodikovih tehnologij z obnovljivimi viri energije in koncept »Power-to-X« (pretvorba električne energije v vodik ali sintetična goriva).
Skozi različne vaje se bodo študenti naučili primerjati različne konfiguracije sistemov z vidika tehnične učinkovitosti in ekonomske upravičenosti, s čimer se bo krepilo povezovanje ekonomskih kriterijev v zasnovo energetskih sistemov.
Predmet se bo zaključil s celovitim razmislekom o vlogi modeliranja pri energetski tranziciji, pri čemer bo poudarjen pomen integracije tehničnih, ekonomskih in okoljskih vidikov pri načrtovanju sodobnih trajnostnih energetskih rešitev.
This course introduces students to methods and tools for modelling, analysing, and simulating energy systems, including conventional and renewable energy sources as well as energy storage technologies that support modern energy systems and the transition toward renewable and decentralised energy supply. The main focus is on understanding modelling as a decision-support tool that links the physical behaviour of systems with engineering, environmental, and economic objectives. Students will learn how to develop mathematical models, use simulation software, and interpret system behaviour under different operating scenarios. They will also explore how modelling and simulation can support strategic decision-making in energy planning and in the design of energy and climate policies. Emphasis is also placed on the operation and design of modern energy storage systems, performance assessment, and integration into larger systems. Students will learn to model, simulate, and analyse energy storage systems, assess their economic feasibility, and understand their role in the further development of power grids, the growth of electromobility, and the improvement of energy efficiency.
The course begins with an introductory lecture on the concept of energy systems and their role in modern engineering and in the context of sustainable development. Fundamental modelling concepts will be presented, including model classification (empirical, physics-based, and hybrid), levels of abstraction, and the differences between static and dynamic models. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how mathematical models describe and represent physical processes. The concept of system boundaries will also be introduced, including energy and mass balances.
Basic thermodynamic and thermal principles governing the operation of energy systems will be presented. Students will learn how to formulate energy balances and model key thermodynamic processes in industry, power generation, and district heating systems.
In addition, students will be introduced to various energy storage technologies (electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical) and their technical characteristics. Core concepts such as energy density, rated power, efficiency, and time-scale classification of technologies will be covered in detail. The role of storage in balancing power systems, frequency regulation, and decarbonisation strategies will be discussed.
Key concepts of thermal energy storage and the use of phase-change materials will also be presented, including an analysis of different system configurations and application areas. Hydrogen as an energy carrier will be covered as well, including production (electrolysis), storage (compressed, liquefied, or solid-state), and use in fuel cells. Options for integrating hydrogen technologies with renewable energy sources and the "Power-to-X" concept (conversion of electricity into hydrogen or synthetic fuels) will be introduced.
Through a range of exercises, students will learn to compare different system configurations from both a technical performance perspective and an economic feasibility perspective, strengthening the integration of economic criteria into energy system design.
The course concludes with a comprehensive reflection on the role of modelling in the energy transition, emphasising the importance of integrating technical, economic, and environmental perspectives when designing modern sustainable energy solutions.