The teaching activity aims at outlining the main techniques for managing electricity, also considering the current evolution of energy systems, with specific attention to innovative solutions, such as smart grids, microgrids and renewable and distributed generation systems.
The main aim of the module is to discuss both the practical and theoretical aspects of strategies for managing energy. More precisely the milestones for the module could be declined as follows: Strategies for controlling energy flows; Optimization and management strategies; Practical aspects applied to smart energy microgrid.
No specific prerequisites are required. However, basic knowledge of Python and the use of the PuLP module may be useful for exercises and projects.
Frontal lectures presenting theory and practical applications of methodologies related to strategy in energy management, based on simple examples. Projects will be proposed during the teaching unit, in which students will be asked to develop some of the application examples presented in class. Simulation experiences with Python will be carried out, using the methodologies and techniques presented in energy problems. Attendance is not compulsory.
Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova
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.
In addition to the reference texts available at the Department Library, slides and notes useful for study will be available on AulaWeb. Interested students can also integrate with the following texts:
Ricevimento: Office hours will be arranged with students (contacts: mansueto.rossi@unige.it, +393285423470).
https://corsi.unige.it/10728/p/studenti-orario
Oral discussion on the subjects presented during the teaching unit and on the developed exercises and projects.
A first question will consist in an argument chosen by the student or in a presentation on a project (example, specific topic), developed by the student alone or in a team of maximum two people.
A second question will focus on the theoretical topics of the course, to verify the understanding of the fundamental concepts.
Students will be evaluated on theoretical topics presented during the teaching unit, exercises and projects devoted to addressing specific issues within realistic problems proposed during the teaching unit.
The final exam will be oral and will include a review and discussion of the exercises and projects carried out.
The assessment of learning outcomes will be based on:
The project can be submitted to the teacher in advance. Please contact the teacher for further information not included in the teaching unit description.
