OVERVIEW

This module covers the topics that form the basis of knowledge regarding electrical power systems, with a focus on their technical and economic applications in the context of the current energy transition. It describes traditional and renewable electricity generation plants, distributed generation systems, polygeneration microgrids, electric mobility systems and renewable energy communities. The module also provides the basis for developing business plan models in the energy sector.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module's primary objective is to equip students with the skills necessary for analysing and managing traditional and renewable electricity generation plants, distributed generation systems, polygeneration microgrids, and electric mobility systems. Students will also develop technical and economic analysis skills in the field of renewable energy plants, cogeneration units and renewable energy communities, enabling them to create business plans for the energy sector.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching unit, students will be able to:
- evaluate the main technical and economic performance indicators of fossil-fuel-based and renewable electricity generation systems, with reference to the case studies and examples discussed during the teaching unit;
- describe the operating principles and the main technical characteristics of electricity generation plant components, in the context of the technologies examined during the teaching unit;
- quantify the remuneration and incentives granted to renewable energy plants, high-efficiency cogeneration units, and renewable energy communities, on the basis of the current mechanisms illustrated during the teaching unit;
- develop business plan analyses in the energy sector by applying the tools presented during the teaching unit;
- analyse the different types of electric vehicle charging systems and their impact on the electricity grid in order to propose smart charging strategies in the application contexts examined.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.

TEACHING METHODS

According to the EduNext 75% model, the educational pathway includes a combination of face-to-face, online and asynchronous teaching activities aimed at ensuring flexible, interactive and student-centred learning.

Please note that this course is delivered online (9 hours online videos + 6 hours in person) via the Learn platform. To request access, students must contact the Settore metodi e contenuti at edunext@aulaweb.unige.it.

Attendance is optional.

Active Teaching Activities TEL - DE
Active teaching activities in TEL - DE mode include:
- Face-to-face lessons: 6 hours of classroom activities dedicated to in-depth study of theoretical content, guided discussion and practical experimentation.
- Video lessons: recorded video lessons aimed at supporting individual learning and allowing independent use of teaching materials.

Online Teaching Activities TEL - DI
Online teaching activities in TEL - DI mode include:
- Virtual Classroom: 6 hours of synchronous online activities managed by the Tutor, aimed at direct discussion, exchange of experiences and personalised support for students.
- E-tivity: 6 hours of asynchronous online activities designed and prepared by the Tutor, which students may carry out independently at the times most suitable for them. These activities are intended to foster personal reflection, practical application of content and peer collaboration.

Exam accommodations for students with disabilities or SLD Students with a valid disability certificate or a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) (under Italian Law 104/1992) or Special Educational Needs (SEN), who are registered with the University's Inclusion Services, can request compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures for exams.

Students with disabilities, with SLD or with SEN are reminded that, to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification to the University website at servizionline.unige.it<https://servizionline.unige.it/>, in the "Students" section. The documentation will be checked by the University's Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with SLD.

At the beginning of the course, students are advised to contact the lecturer to agree on exam arrangements which, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account.

To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must fill in the dedicated Webform available athttps://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, at least 7 working days before the exam.

Students with SEN may instead send their request by e-mail to the lecturer, copying the Department Representative, Prof. Elena Lagomarsino,at inclusione.economia@unige.it, and the Inclusion Office inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Basics of power systems: Basic concepts in the energy sector, Architecture of the electrical power system, Electricity production and consumption data in Europe and Italy.
• Fossil fuel power plants: gas turbines, steam power plants, combined cycles, cogeneration plants.
• Renewable power plants: hydropower plants, wind turbines, PV plants, sea power plants.
• Distributed generation, polygeneration microgrids, smart buildings and renewable energy communities.
• Electric mobility: electric vehicles, charging infrastructures, integration of electric vehicles with the electricity grid.
• Incentives for renewable power plants, cogeneration plants and renewable energy communities in Italy.
• Levelized Cost of Energy.
• Methodologies for the optimal sizing of multi-vector energy systems.
• Business plan analyses in the energy sector.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Videos, lecture notes, other material supplied by the lecturer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please note that online lectures are scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026.

The 6-hour lectures in-person will take place from November 16 to December 11, 2026.

Further details about the lecture timetable will be announced at a later date.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

An oral examination in which students are required to answer theoretical questions and/or solve numerical exercises related to the topics covered during the teaching activities. The final mark will also take into account the work carried out by students through the e-tivities, according to arrangements and weighting communicated by the teacher at the beginning of the teaching unit.
The examination is intended in particular to assess the ability to evaluate technical and economic indicators, analyse systems and components, develop basic business plan analyses, and discuss smart charging strategies.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs may request compensatory/dispensatory measures for the examination. The arrangements will be defined on a case-by-case basis together with the Engineering School contact person of the University Committee supporting students with disabilities and SLDs. Students wishing to make such a request are invited to contact the teacher of the teaching unit well in advance, copying the Engineering School contact person (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html), without
sending documents concerning their disability.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment covers the acquisition of the theoretical knowledge and practical methodologies that are essential for the technical and economic analysis of electricity production systems (from both fossil and renewable sources), microgrids, polygenerative systems, renewable energy communities, and the electric mobility sector.