Subject information

The subject TET4135 Planning and operation of energy systems gives an introduction to framework conditions and methods for expansion planning and operation of power and heating systems.

Flexible access to energy at an acceptable price is one of the most important conditions for modern society. At the same time, energy production and transport are highly capital intensive and they often having an unfavourable impact on the environment. Because of these factors, production, transport and use of energy should be done as cost-effective as possible within the existing systems. Planning of the future system should be done in an optimal way, taking into account all relevant constraints, e.g. environmental constraints.

The subject deals with the following themes:

• Framework conditions for energy system planning
• Economic basics for expansion planning
• Demand for electric and thermal power and energy
• Operation planning of power plants
• Expansion planning of power plants and networks
• Planning of district heating
• Interaction between heat and electricity
• Licensing procedures

The UN Rio declaration on Environment and Development of 1992 and the Kyoto protocol on climate change form the starting point for the framework conditions for energy system planning. Their impact for relevant laws and regulation in Norway are discussed. Moreover, a short introduction to the Nordic power market is given.

Demand for electric and thermal power (capacity) and energy are the basis for all energy planning. The subject gives a basic introduction on the electric and thermal power and energy demand of buildings and concepts like demand responsibility and coincidence.

Modern planning and operation of power and heat supply systems is to a great extent a mathematically oriented issue. Basic methods like dynamic programming and linear programming are introduced. Optimal load sharing between several units with known resource costs under various (environmental) constraints. Considerable attention is given to operational scheduling of hydro power using the water value method, which is the basis for daily scheduling in the Norwegian hydro system. The same basic mathematical methods are used to determine optimal expansion planning of power production and networks.

Planning of district heating systems includes environmental impact of heat energy use, heat production and heat distribution. The interaction between heat and power is illustrated by the computer program O-flex, especially developed for this purpose.

Licensing of new energy production systems is also introduced.

The subject gives general knowledge about laws and regulations and the fundamental of the planning and operation of energy systems, as well as an introduction to fundamental mathematical methods. It gives essential basic competence for those who are thinking of a career within planning and operation of energy systems in general or within the power market especially.

Educational goal

The subject shall give an introduction to the problem formulation and the solving of central issues regarding technical-economic-environmental planning and operation of stationary energy systems, electrical as well as thermal. The subject shall give a methodological basis for optimization of solutions, and for assessing the technical, economic and environmental consequences when satisfying the demand for electrical and thermal energy.

Requirements

The subject TET 4155 Energy systems or corresponding knowledge

Teaching methods

Lectures, projects and calculation exercises. The subject has a compendium in English and the teaching will also be in English.

Mandatory exercises

Calculation exercises: 4 of 8 must be approved

Evaluation form

Written exam: 75 % - Project: 25 %. Final grading will be from A to F.

Curriculum

Compendium, Lecture notes, Exercises

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