Syllabus
Course Information
Department of Technology & Society
Course Name: EST 603 (#96063), Energy Systems Analysis
Instructor: Gang He
Email: gang.he@stonybrook.edu
Office Hours: Wed 11am-1pm
Course Description
This class offers a systems analysis approach and introduces useful modeling tools to capture and reveal the complexity of energy systems. The scope of this class includes main forms of energy, major energy production, conversion, and consumption activities, and technology innovation and transition embedded in the energy systems. We’ll first discuss the theoretical and empirical knowledge base and data sources to understand the energy-environmental and climate problems. The class will then introduce the modeling tools and skills to analyze energy systems and enable evidence-based decision making. We’ll discuss the limitations of models and other emerging topics on global clean energy transition. This class encourage students to design research projects, use the modeling tools, interpret and present results.
Learning Objectives
- Develop comprehensive understanding of energy systems, i.e. the interaction of technological, social, economic, and regulatory forces that shaping energy production, conversion, and consumption;
- Gain an understanding of main data sources and key methods used to analyze energy systems and their strengths and weaknesses;
- Get introduced to major analytical concepts and modeling tools used in energy systems and policy analysis;
- Develop basic analytical skills to translate energy systems analysis into effective policy discussion and debate.
Class Readings
This is a restricted list of various interesting and useful books that will be touched during the course. You need to consult them occasionally, but they are optional.
- Masters, Gilbert M. 2013. Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems. 2 edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- MacKay, David JC. 2008. Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air. UIT Cambridge Ltd.
- Readings and materials will be posted online.
Grading
Final grades will be calculated as follows:
| Item | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homework | 40 % | 4 homeworks |
| Final Project: Proposal | 10 % | |
| Final Project: Presentation | 20 % | |
| Final Project: Report | 30 % |
Grading Scale
| Grade | Range | Grade | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93 - 100% | C | 73 - 76.99% |
| A- | 90 - 92.99% | C- | 70 - 72.99% |
| B+ | 87 - 89.99% | D+ | 67 - 69.99% |
| B | 83 - 86.99% | D | 63 - 66.99% |
| B- | 80 - 82.99% | D- | 60 - 62.99% |
| C+ | 77 - 79.99% | F | < 60% |