VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

151-0244-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-MAVT , D-ITET
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Introduction to Energy Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Martin Densing, Prof. Dr. Russell McKenna, Dr. Evangelos Panos
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:23

Abstract

Introductory first course for the specialization in ENERGY (previously Energy Systems and Power Engineering). The course provides an overall view of energy technologies and systems, relating these to pertinent global challenges, reviews some of the thermodynamic basics in energy conversion and presents the state-of-the-art technology for power generation and fuel processing.

Objective

By completing this course, students should: -obtain an understanding of macroeconomic trends and their shaping of energy demand in diverse sectors and applications -connect energy and climate in the context of sustainability considerations in relation to climate change and resource depletion -explain the main challenges for the energy sector and options to overcome these with behavioural, technological and systemic measures -discuss the role of engineering and economic methods of energy systems analysis to provide decision support

Content

World primary energy resources and use: fossil fuels, renewable energies, and nuclear energy; demand side structure in sectors and applications; present situation, trends, and future developments. Sustainable energy system and environmental impact of energy conversion and use: energy, economy and society. Electric power and the electricity economy worldwide and in Switzerland; production, consumption, alternatives. The electric power distribution system. Renewable energy and power: available techniques and their potential. Costs, technical characteristics and envionrmental impacts of electricity supply systems, including conventional power plants, advanced cycles, combined cycles and renewable technologies.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture materials will be distributed / no script.

Literature

Literature recommendations will be provided in the lecture.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
No aids / pocket calculator required.
Digital
The examination takes place on your own device. Installation of SEB required.
A digital written examination will be carried out with BYOD during the examination session, which covers all material taught during the course, i.e. the material presented during the lectures and corresponding exercises. Additionally, there will be one continuous performance assessment task during the semester. This learning task is optional and can add a bonus of 0.25 to the final grade, but only if it results in an improvement. The bonus is awarded if students complete tutorial assignments.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Introduction to Energy Systems
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 36)
2 h weekly
exercise Introduction to Energy Systems
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW A 36)
2 h weekly

Offered In