Abstract:

In the energy sector, companies tackle large projects to install renewable energy systems. To analyse its operation, predict productivity, optimize the design, and evaluate its profitability, a prior study as close to reality as possible is necessary. Computational tools for simulation of physical systems in general, and energy in particular, are a necessity to achieve these objectives.

The Master in Energy at the Complutense University of Madrid is taught at the Faculty of Physics. It aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to be able to address the challenges that the development of energy sources will have in the short and medium term. The subject “Projects: Modelling and Simulation of Energy Systems”, an optional subject of 6 ECTS credits, is taught as part of the advanced module of the master's degree in the second semester of the course. It shares the module with the specialisation subjects in the selected field of energy.

The general objective of the subject is for students to acquire the necessary knowledge to be able to lay the foundations for an evaluation, with a certain degree of precision, of an energy resource. At the same time, they will acquire the necessary skills to establish a suitable methodology for predicting the behaviour of different energy systems, whether they are associated with a single energy source or are of a hybrid nature.

Given the eminently practical nature of the master's degree, the course includes laboratory practices aimed at familiarising students with simulation tools and techniques, applying them to the field of energy systems. These practices make use of computer tools that in some cases are new to students, which enriches their knowledge and skills and facilitates their professional projection. In addition, from a didactic point of view, as students may come with quite diverse backgrounds, points of view and interests, this way they learn a methodology to address different real-world applications.

Among the different experiments that are proposed, the practice that has stood out as more useful and interesting is the modelling and simulation of a wind energy converter, i.e. the wind, as well as of a wind turbine, and the interaction between the two. The later adds a level of complexity that brings students closer to a real, complete system. This practical exercise allows them to draw conclusions and comment on them, which helps to deepen their understanding of the systems and the advantages and limitations of simulation. Objectives, development, and some tips to carry out the experiment have been prepared to guide its completion and ensure that students learn the methodology behind it.

Moreover, the main achievement of this practice is that they learn to address any energy system with computational tools, by applying an analysis, modelling and simulation methodology. Something that can be very beneficial in your professional development.

Keywords:

Energy, Modelling, Simulation, Education, Motivation, Career opportunities.