Course syllabus - Energy Efficient Buildings

Objectives

This course will provide a sound knowledge regarding building technology and building services engineering (HVAC) that contribute to a low demand for purchased energy to buildings. The course will also provide additional knowledge regarding building physics, ventilation technology and indoor climate, etc. that provide a better understanding of building-related problems of various kinds, in order to apply technologies that will contribute to both energy efficient and healthy buildings.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to calculate the energy balance of buildings without the help of available energy calculation programs (existing software)
- evaluate different opportunities to save energy with measures regarding both building technology and building services engineering in both new and existing buildings
- assess the existence of a potential conflict between energy conservation and indoor climate for different energy saving measures
- independent and critical, be able to both analyze and interpret results relating to energy and indoor climate in buildings based on both measured values as well as calculations
- demonstrate a good ability to work independently to investigate energy and indoor climate issues for buildings and to present the results both orally and in writing in a well-prepared technical report.

Course content

Calculations of the energy balance of buildings without available software, primarily monthly calculations for one-family houses. Building and HVAC technology for extremely energy efficient buildings, e.g. passive houses. Experiences from existing extremely energy efficient buildings. Building technology with respect to moisture, etc. Investigations and calculations relating to moisture problems. Building materials. Mould. Radon. Building acoustics. Energy efficiency and healthy buildings - potential contradictions. Building planning for healthy and energy efficient buildings. Thermal indoor climate. Indoor air quality. Building related problems (sick building syndrome, SBS), health issues. Ventilation requirements and design with different methods. Possibilities and limitations of different ventilation systems. Ventilation efficiency. Air filters. Electric efficiency for fans, pumps, etc. Energy saving by means of heat exchangers, heat pumps and solar collectors.

Tuition

Lectures, supervision (tutorials), study visits, seminars and presentations. Written and oral presentations, study visits, seminars, opposition and some supervision are compulsory.

Specific requirements

At least 90 credits completed courses within one or both of these subjects: engineering and natural science with at least 40 credits within one or both of these subjects: building or energy engineering. These should include basic knowledge of building engineering and building services engineering. This can be accomplished by having reached at least 3 credits within the course Building Services Engineering 7.5 credits. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 2 and English A/English 5 are required. In cases where the course is given in English, exemption from the Swedish B/Swedish 2 is given.

Examination

Exercise (INL1), 7.5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Examination (TEN1), 7.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail