LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main aim of the course is to discuss both the practical and theoretical aspects of strategies for managing energy. More precisely the milestones for the course could be declined as follows: Strategies for controlling energy flows; Optimization and management strategies; Practical aspects applied to smart energy microgrid.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching activity, students will have:

- a knowledge on the evolution of systems for the generation, transport, distribution and use of energy

- a basic understanding  of the systems used for the management of an energy infrastructure

- the ability to apply simple techniques for the optimal management of an energy generation and consumption system (such as a microgrid), as well as to perform a rough sizing of such systems.

PREREQUISITES

The Course does not require specific prerequisites. However, a basic knowledge of Matlab® could be useful. 

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lectures presenting theory and practical application of methodologies related to strategy in energy management. Projects will be proposed during the teaching activity. Simulation experiences using the Matlab® framework will be carried out, using the presented methodologies and techniques in energy problems.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Energy infrastructure evolution. Historical evolution of the electrical energy infrastructure, starting from traditional  networks  and presenting the main technological innovations. Innovative systems and infrastructures: smart grids, virtual power plants, microgrids, etc...

Devices and systems in an advanced energy infrastructure. The technologies adopted in distributed generation and  smart grids will be described. The attention will be focused on plants producing electricity (photovoltaic, hydroelectric and wind power), hot thermal energy (solar thermal collectors, boilers, heat pumps) and cooling energy (absorption chillers). Furthermore, cogeneration and trigeneration technologies will be analyzed, as well as electrical storage systems.

Optimal management. The  decision problem concerning the optimal management of an energy system will be addressed, as well as the list of the decision variables and the system model. The formalization of the overall optimization problem will be discussed introducing an energy management system whose main aim is to minimize the overall production costs while satisfying all the thermal and electric network constraints, with reference to a  microgrid as an example.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Besides the references in Bibliography, available in Department Library, on AulaWeb will be available slides and notes where Students can find all that is nedded for their study. Moreover, Students, if interested, can integrate with the following: 

1. Delfino, F., et al., Microgrid Design and Operation: Toward Smart Energy in Cities, Artech House power engineering series, 2018
2. Bracco, S., et al., “An Energy Management System for the Savona Campus Smart Polygeneration Microgrid,” IEEE Systems Journal, Vol. 99, 2015.
3. Bonfiglio, A., et al., “An Optimization Algorithm for the Operation Planning of the University of Genoa Smart Polygeneration Microgrid,” Proceedings of IREP 2013 Symposium-Bulk Power System Dynamics and Control–IX, Rethymnon, Greece, August 25−30, 2013
4. Bonfiglio, A., et al., “Definition and Experimental Validation of a Simplified Model for a Microgrid Thermal Network and Its Integration into Energy Management Systems,” Energies, Vol. 9, 2016, p. 914.
5. Bendato, I., et al., “A Real-Time Energy Management System for the Integration of Economical Aspects and System Operator Requirements: Definition and Validation,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 102, 2017, pp. 406–416