Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge for solving complex problems. They will be able to include interdependencies between different dimensions of a planning process in
their work, such as technical design, economics, society, and the environment. Within their own field of
study, the students will have gained an insight into up-to-date research relevant for the project. On a social level, they will have learned about their responsibility as engineers, researchers, or project planers towards people who are depending on their results. Furthermore, they will have gained experience in working within a project team.
The course is principally designed to impart
Technical skills 25%, Methodological skills 20%, System skills 25%, Social skills 30%
Content
The project deals with the planning and implementation of solutions for specific non-electrified
regions in least developed countries (LDCs).
In an introductory lecture part, students become equipped with necessary basics in
- development studies (energy poverty, growth theory, energy access)
- small-scale energy systems (basic physics and energy engineering, introduction to mechanical / thermal / electrical systems for pumping, cooking, and electricity generation, load profile curves, off-grids, basics of lighting)
- decision-making (reliability evaluation, climate and weather statistics, investment decisions, basic microeconomics, analysis under risk-neutrality and risk-aversion, cost-benefit analysis, (non-)cooperative game theory).
- research aids (databases, scientific search engines, reliability of online materials, statistical regression)
to gain an overview of the topic and to be able to work within an interdisciplinary team.
Subsequently, the students take part in the planning of a (off-grid) solution for a specified case, i.e. a
non-electrified region or village in an LDC. According to their academic backgrounds and interests, they
self-select into different subgroups to research on questions assigned by the group or to engage in
technical design. Possible tasks include the design of electricity generation and the grid, pumping, or cooking as well as the development of financing options and the evaluation of social consequences. In cooperation with the local population, the student groups tries to implement their results.
Description of Teaching and Learning Methods
(Guest-) lectures, group meetings, discussions, self-study, and individual research.
The course is completely offered in English. In case of language barriers, individual derivations from that may be possible.
