Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After passing the course the student

  • knows the key energy consumers in the building s energy balance
  • knows the basic terminology and definitions related to (nearly) net-zero energy buildings, plus energy buildings and hybrid smart grids
  • understands the principles of on-site energy generation, grid interaction and energy matching
  • knows the key sustainable building envelope components, advanced energy storage and HVAC systems
  • knows the key technologies and systems for the utilization of renewable energy
  • understands the relationship between the temperature of the heat source, exergy and the Carnot efficiency in the context of building energy systems (the concept of energy quality)

Credits: 5

Schedule: 15.04.2025 - 27.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Kari Alanne

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Components of building s energy balance
    • Net-zero energy buildings: terminology and definitions
    • Grid interaction and energy matching
    • Sustainable building envelope components
    • Sustainable HVAC technologies (free cooling, high-temperature cooling, low-temperature heating, etc.)
    • Advanced energy storage systems
    • Technologies for renewable energy (solar PVT, wind, biomass, GSHP, mCHP etc.)
    • Energy quality

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Learning assignments 100%

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teacher's receptions 12 h

    Learning assignments 60 h

    Other self-learning 48 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lecture notes and literature

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    7 Affordable and Clean Energy

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
    2025-2026 Spring V

    Registration:

    Registration for the course via Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).