Module: Smart Energy Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Smart Energy Systems
Module Code	MEC1035 (ITS: MM416)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The Smart Energy Systems module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of designing and implementing intelligent energy solutions to support decarbonisation in built environments and communities. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics including renewable energy generation, energy transfer mechanisms, and the supply chain from generation to conversion processes. Students will explore demand modelling techniques to accurately forecast on-site energy consumption, alongside strategies to optimise energy efficiency through conservation measures. Emphasis is placed on modern technologies such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, district heating, smart grids, and sophisticated building management systems, all of which play a pivotal role in creating resilient, low-carbon energy infrastructures. This module also focuses on the principles and applications of energy systems that support designing and modelling sustainable built environments. The main objectives are to provide students with the knowledge, methods, and tools to understand the need for efficient, smart, and sustainable energy systems while mitigating the impact of the built environment on the natural environment.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain what is meant by a Smart Energy System
2. Review and evaluate the use of Smart systems to manage resource efficiency
3. Design a Smart Energy System, integrating system components using best practice principles
4. Apply the general principles of AI and Machine learning techniques
5. Develop an understanding of the challenges of transport and heating electrification and the Smart Grid

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Two lectures per week
Tutorial	12	One session oer week: Group work on assignment
Assignment Completion	48	Design of smart energy system and report completion
Independent Study	103	No Description
Total Workload: 187

Section Breakdown
CRN	20171	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Reihaneh Aghamolaei	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Design project: This assessment evaluates students' understanding of sustainable energy concepts and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios through group collaboration. Students will design a sustainable energy system for a university campus, increasing renewable energy integration, and assess its environmental, economic, and societal impacts	50%	Sem 2 End
Formal Examination	End of semester exam	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Renewable Energy Integration:
Exploration of solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy sources, including their role in smart energy systems and decarbonisation strategies

Techno-economically analyse:
Techno-economically analyse the feasibility of renewable energy integration

Energy Supply, Transfer, and Conversion:
Analysis of energy supply chains and conversion technologies to enhance system efficiency and sustainability.

Smart Grid and Demand Management:
Study of demand-side response, smart grid technologies, and building energy management systems to optimise energy consumption.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings, decarbonisation of heat, and the integration of CHP systems and district heating for sustainable energy solutions.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Henrik Lund: 2014, Renewable Energy Systems, 2nd, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 0124104231

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Energy Plan: Smart Energy Systems,