Course detail
Up-to-date Energy Systems and Bachelor's Theses
FSI-0EK Acad. year: 2021/2022 Summer semester
Motivation:
Nowadays, effective utilization of energy sources is a total must. This concerns both municipal and industrial sphere. However, objective approach has to be applied, i.e. it is essential to integrate existing possibilities of fossil fuels along with renewable energy sources. This subject provides talented students with modern methods based on conceptual approach which applies principles of process engineering on energy systems supplying energy to large and small scale consumers. This unique combination has proved right in recent years and is applied both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Authors of this conception are originators of this subject who has decided to pass the experience to students.
Subject further provides students with information, advice and instruction to write an outstanding bachelor's thesis which may be a starting point for a master's thesis not only in the said area but on a general level. There was no two-level type of studies (bachelor's and master's) before the Bologna Declaration has been adopted. However, form has changed without changing the concept and content. Only graduation from both levels (i.e. five year studies) ensures a fully knowledgeable engineer. Students of bachelor's studies are not given sufficient time and conditions to write a high quality thesis. However, these are the rules and the pros have to be highlighted. Content and aims of this subject accounts for them.
Content:
Students obtain information and general knowledge in following areas:
" Energy systems in industrial processes and municipal sphere.
" Energy production from waste and biomass.
" Maximum utilization of waste heat.
" Legislation providing for environmental protection and emission limits as restrictive elements.
" Harmful substances reduction, flue gas and waste gas cleaning.
" Effective utilization of support simulation calculations, mathematical models and software systems.
" Feedback from practical applications.
" Conceptual approach. Suitable combination of theory, experiments and practice for comprehensive and verified solution.
Students will be introduced to effective writing of bachelor's thesis in the above mentioned theme area. This includes:
" Research thesis which presents existing situation in the said area. This is suitable for a student who is not familiar with the topic. Well written thesis may then function as an introductory chapter for master's thesis.
" Monothematic thesis provides concrete outcomes (calculations, mathematical modeling, software, etc.), experimental activities (experiments and measuring, processing of data and their analysis, etc.) and/or their combination. Subsequent master's thesis is usually a follow up to this thesis.
" Thesis based on offer from industrial sphere or thesis based on issues currently researched under national and international projects. It is assumed that student is acquainted with the topic.
Focus is on:
" Choosing a suitable topic.
" Thesis structure (introduction, thesis objective, methods, core of the work, discussion, conclusion).
" Working with feedback and information sources (literature, internet, software, etc.). This also concerns the issue of plagiarism.
" Ability to present results.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
2
Supervisor
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
" Main profit of the subject stems from previous paragraphs.
" Students prove their interest in current issues and their competence for master's studies.
Prerequisites
N/A
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
During the first half of the semester, lectures take place (in the sense from a conceptual approach to a detailed solution) with examples of real applications, in which students are given both basic and current information in an interesting form. Part of the teaching is always a lively discussion and then specific problems related to potential bachelor's theses are consulted (on an individual basis). Everything is connected with excursions to experimental facilities and laboratories, demonstrations of the possibilities of modern computer systems, etc.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
This is an optional subject; therefore only students who are interested in their future career are assumed to enroll. Subject is concluded with a credit.
Aims
Aims of the subject stem from "Course contents" and they may be summed up as follows:
" Introduce current and pressing issues of energy savings, suitable energy sources while maintaining realistic approach regardless of modern trends.
" Obtain general knowledge and view of the above mentioned areas.
" Learn to identify and tackle problems (e.g. hierarchy of energy intensity: reduction of energy consumption – opting suitable energy system and fuel mix – system design – particular equipment design).
" Write an outstanding bachelor's thesis which is usually a follow up to master's thesis (which is kind of an "entrance ticket" to future career). This subject provides suitable topic for bachelor's thesis.
" Utilize discussion for troubleshooting.
" Introducte novel, original and uncommon solutions and technologies (e.g. original technological unit for energy production from various types of biomass).
" Appreciate the importance of message regarding content and formal elements and learn the art of presentation.
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
Checking the participation is not necessary.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme B-OBN-P: Common Offer, Bachelor's, elective
Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, elective
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
Energy systems in industrial processes and municipal sphere.
Common and renewable energy sources, energy production from waste and biomass.
Energy consumption reduction, maximum utilization of waste heat.
Legislation providing for environmental protection and emission limits as restrictive elements.
Harmful substances reduction, flue gas and waste gas cleaning.
Effective utilization of support simulation calculations, mathematical models and software systems.
Feedback from practical applications.
Conceptual approach. Suitable combination of theory, experiments and practice for comprehensive and verified solution.
Practical examples, case studies, application of knowledge
Importance and choice of proper topic, content and form of bachelor's and master's thesis, utilization of results (difference between formal and serious approach)
Thesis structure, methods, writing, results discussion.
Selection of bachelor's theses in the thematic area and relation to master's thesis
Form and attributes of bachelor's and master's thesis
Background and information
Presentation and defense of the theses (art of presentation, argumentation, communication, psychology towards audience, etc.)
Presentation of theses