CAS ATE: Applied Technology in Energy

Dr. Christian Schaffner

This course module provides an introduction to the fundamental science and the underlying technology used throughout the rest of the CAS.

Participants will learn how today’s energy system (including energy generation, distribution and consumption) functions and will understand the underlying scientific principles, technologies as well as the regulatory framework. Special attention will be paid to understanding renewable (solar & wind) electricity generation and why this rapidly evolving technology is driving change in multiple industries. If time permits, the basics of climate change science and its relationship to energy related business decisions will be discussed as well.

To start, there is an online review module which acts as a pre-requisite for the entire CAS ATE. It introduces the basics in mathematics, electric elements and electric DC and AC networks. With an "Assessment Quiz" students can identify their knowledge gaps and close these, if needed. The rest of the Energy Fundamentals module is also organised in a self-learning online module, with weekly contact hours to discuss questions with teaching assistants.

Dr. Christian Prehal & Prof. Dr. Vanessa Wood

This course module will take a deeper look at the most important technologies for electrical energy storage in industry, with an emphasis on batteries. Participants will be introduced to the energy storage technologies in use in industry as well as technology– and market–driven opportunities for change and new applications. The design, manufacture, operation, and usage scenarios of lithium ion batteries will be explained in detail. Future improvements in battery energy storage will be explored in terms of both likely progress and critical barriers.

Prof. Dr. Christian Franck & Prof. Dr. Gabriela Hug

For decades, electric power grid systems remained essentially unchanged. Now, they are undergoing significant changes driven by technology. This course module helps participants understand the fundamental setup and workings of the electric power grid.

Participants will learn about the technical operation and management of traditional power grid systems. The fundamental equipment and mechanisms responsible for transforming and transporting electricity to end users and the concept of AC power will be explained. Typical grid connections and management and the underlying physical principles will be discussed. The opportunities for and barriers to future grid technology and systems from both an operator’s and end user’s perspective will be explored, potentially including distributed generation, microgrids/islanding, demand response, virtual power plants, etc.

Dr. Christian Schaffner

The focus of this course module is on understanding the practical implications of the energy transistion taking place in industry, including electrification technology and their practical application in multiple industries.

This course takes a case study approach to look at how electrification is currently impacting products and technology use in manufacturing, electronics, automotive/ transport, building construction and facilities management. Some policy and regulatory elements may be discussed to provide context, but the focus is on understanding the technical and practical aspects of implementation.

The students will be working on actual cases provided by industry partners. They will also interact with Master students from ETH Zurich working in the domain, and finally challenge their findings and results with industry experts.