Course syllabus - Energy Optimization for Buildings

Objectives

The course will provide further knowledge about the energy balance etc. of buildings, comprising calculations and parameter studies, analyses and critical evaluations. This knowledge shall contribute to the design of buildings with low energy requirements, good economy and a favourable indoor climate. Within the broad field of interaction between buildings and HVAC (installations), an improved comprehensive view should also be achieved.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to
- demonstrate a good ability to calculate the energy balance of buildings with as well as without the help of available energy calculation programs (existing software)
- perform calculations regarding different energy saving measures in buildings and to assess both the profitability and the influence on the indoor climate
- use life cycle costs as a tool in order to achieve an optimization regarding the costs for energy, investment and maintenance
- independent and critical, be able to both analyze and interpret results relating to energy in buildings based on both measured values as well as calculations
- demonstrate a good ability to work independently to investigate energy issues for buildings and to present the results both orally and in writing in a well-prepared technical report

Course content

Calculations, analyses, and parameter studies of the energy balance of buildings (with and without computer). Comparisons and analyses regarding energy consumption based on measurements as well as calculations. Thermal inertia, and thermal indoor climate etc. Calculations and analyses of life cycle costs and optimisation regarding costs for energy, investment, maintenance etc. Practice in critical evaluations, and to be able to understand and utilise results taking different limitations into account. Comprehensive view as well as deeper studies within parts of the broad field of interaction between buildings and HVAC.

Tuition

Project works in the form of group projects supported by regular supervision and a few lectures.

Specific requirements

90 credits completed courses within an engineering program or within engineering included the courses Building Technology 5 credits, Building Physics 7,5 credits, Building Materials and Building Engineering 7,5 credits and Building Services Engineering 7,5 credits or equivalent courses. Qualifying course that shall have been studied is Energy Efficient Building 15 credits or equivalent course.

In addition a TOEFL test result, minimum score 173(CBT), 500(PBT) or 61(iBT) or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 5,0 and no band score below 4,5. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.
 

Examination

Exercise 1, 3 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Exercise 2, 6 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Exercise 3, 3 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Exercise 4, 3 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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Examination
INL 1, 3 credits: Calculations and evaluations for a one-family house
INL 2, 6 credits: Calculations, measurements and evaluations for an actual larger building
INL 3, 3 credits: Life cycle costs (LCC)
INL 4, 3 credits: A deeper study

Grades
Grade 3, 4 or 5 (or not approved) on the entire course. The grade for the entire course is a weighted average on the grades on INL 1-INL 4 above, and assumes that all compulsory parts are approved.
Foreign students will receive grades according to the ECTS-scale instead, based on the same principle as above.