Urban Energy and Energy Efficiency

Urban energy and energy efficiency will be placed in context in respect of demographic and social trends in Australia and worldwide, energy delivery economics, greenhouse gas emissions, energy storage, transport systems and the rapidly increasing use of renewable energy and electrical energy storage. Rapid changes are occurring in urban energy systems, driven by falling prices for photovoltaic (PV) systems and storage, and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. Roof-mounted PV systems are strongly competing with electricity from the grid and with gas for provision of water heating, space heating & cooling, and electrical services. Heat pumps, thermal storage, battery storage, smart electrical energy controllers, energy-efficient appliances and solar-efficient buildings are facilitating a rapid change in energy use patterns in buildings and factories. Electric cars and public transport have the potential rapidly to change urban transport systems and transport energy use patterns. The course aims to equip students with the theoretical foundation and practical training to apply a range of commercial 3D simulation tools to generate wholesome building energy efficiency reports on the impact of building material choices and building design to the lighting, heating and cooling energy load, roof-top PV power generation potential and battery needs within a complete, integrated package.