Abstract:

In the spring of 2025, a comprehensive upgrade of the energy laboratory at Åland University of Applied Sciences (ÅUAS) was completed. The laboratory has long been a cornerstone of the university’s degree programs – particularly within marine engineering – serving as a practical environment for studying operational energy systems. This modernization introduced technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, and a wind power system. Together, these advancements enable a significantly more integrated approach to addressing green and renewable energy challenges within the curriculum.

Developed within the framework of an Erasmus+ partnership involving Tallinn University of Applied Sciences (TTK), Riga Technical University (RTU), and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius TECH), the course "Green Turn with Math" (3 ECTS) was designed between 2024 and 2026. Structured as a Blended Intensive Program (BIP), the course was held for the second time in the spring of 2026. The core objective is to bridge mathematical models and methods with concrete issues in the green transition, thereby strengthening students' understanding of both energy systems and sustainability challenges.

The practical laboratory exercises were successful overall. The diesel generator, a long-standing component of the laboratory, provided stable and predictable data, serving as a baseline for fossil-based energy production. Furthermore, measurement data from the heat pumps showed high alignment with theoretical models, providing students with clear and consistent results. The photovoltaic (PV) system is relatively new, with its associated software commissioned in the spring of 2025. The current volume of available data offers excellent opportunities for conducting fundamental analyses, including efficiency assessments.

Student evaluations indicate that the practical components were highly valued and appreciated. Additionally, the site visits and the cultural program in Mariehamn were highlighted as rewarding and instructive elements of the overall educational experience.

Keywords:

Renewable Energy, Green Transition, Sustainability, Energy Laboratory, STEM Education, Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP).