Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems

Course Description

Welcome to "Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems," an innovative and essential course offered by DelftX. This comprehensive program delves into the critical realm of decarbonizing heating and cooling supply in the built environment and related industries. As heat consumption represents the largest end-user of energy globally, mastering sustainable heating and cooling solutions is paramount in meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Throughout this course, you'll gain a deep understanding of core concepts and practical tools to identify sustainable heating and cooling solutions for various user demand profiles. We'll explore the factors that determine heating demand in buildings and processes, and investigate methods to reduce this demand effectively. You'll also discover a wide array of sustainable heat sources and learn how to match them with specific requirements such as space, time, and temperature levels. Furthermore, we'll delve into cutting-edge technologies for heat storage, distribution, and conversion.

What students will learn

• Define and analyze developments in heating/cooling demand and passive heating/cooling
• Demonstrate understanding of key concepts like conduction, convection, exergy, and solar radiation
• Apply and quantify various sources of sustainable heat
• Identify and understand technologies for heat conversion and storage
• Apply and quantify constraints and driving mechanisms in heat supply systems
• Analyze and quantify the economics of heating systems
• Identify feasible solutions by integrating sources, conversion, storage, and transport technologies into comprehensive heating/cooling systems

Prerequisites

This course requires a basic understanding of secondary/high school math and physics. No other prerequisites are needed, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to heating and cooling demand profiles
• Sustainable sources of heat (solar collectors, geothermal, waste heat, etc.)
• Conversion and storage technologies (heat pumps, sensible heat storage, latent heat storage)
• Heat supply systems and district heating networks
• Economics of heating systems and business case development
• Policy and societal aspects of the heat transition
• Real-world examples and case studies from industry professionals

Who this course is for

• Technical professionals aiming to contribute to the adoption and successful operation of sustainable heating and cooling systems
• Policymakers seeking to identify solutions and policies to enable the adoption of renewable resources for heating and cooling
• Students and professionals in energy, environmental sciences, or related fields
• Anyone interested in understanding and contributing to the global heat transition

Real-world Applications

• Design and implement sustainable heating and cooling systems for buildings and industries
• Evaluate and improve existing heating and cooling infrastructures
• Develop policies to promote the adoption of renewable heating and cooling technologies
• Create business cases for sustainable heating projects
• Contribute to local and global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Advise on energy-efficient building designs and retrofits
• Participate in urban planning initiatives focused on sustainable energy systems

Syllabus

By enrolling in this course, you'll be at the forefront of the global heat transition, equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a significant impact in this crucial field. Join us in shaping a sustainable, energy-efficient future!