OVERVIEW

The teaching unit 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

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main aim of the teaching unit is to discuss both the practical and theoretical aspects of strategies for managing energy. In particular, the contribution of the teaching unit to the learning objectives of the Degree Programme consists in providing students with tools to understand and apply strategies for controlling energy flows, optimization and management, with a focus on practical aspects in smart energy microgrids.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• To describe the evolution of systems for the generation, transport, distribution, and use of electrical energy (content) in relation to the main technological developments (condition).
• To identify and explain the systems used for the management of an energy infrastructure (content) through the analysis of case studies presented during the teaching unit (condition).
•  To apply simple techniques for the rough sizing of energy systems (content) to problems proposed during lessons (condition), achieving results consistent with the provided data (criterion).
• To apply simple techniques for the optimal management of an energy generation and consumption system, such as a microgrid (content), using basic IT tools (condition), obtaining solutions that meet the specified constraints (criterion).

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites are required. However, basic knowledge of Python and the use of the PuLP module may be useful for exercises and projects.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lectures presenting theory and practical applications of methodologies related to strategy in energy management, based on simple examples. Simulation experiences with Python will be carried out, using the presented  methodologies and techniques. 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
 

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

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:

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10728/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Writen exam on the subjects presented during the teaching unit and on the developed exercises and examples.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students will be evaluated on theoretical topics presented during the teaching unit, exercises and examples devoted to addressing specific issues within realistic problems proposed during the teaching unit.

The final exam will be written.

The assessment of learning outcomes will be based on:

1.  the ability to describe and explain theoretical concepts (clarity of exposition, use of terminology);
2. the ability to apply sizing and management techniques to case studies (soundness of solutions, compliance with constraints)
3. the ability to critically analyze the obtained results.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact the teacher for further information not included in the teaching unit description.