Numerical and Experimental Modelling of Wave Energy converters
Description:
The main objective of this course is to train each participant to the numerical and experimental modelling and control of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). The following topics will be taught:
• The State of the Art of wave energy conversion techniques
• The State of the Art of numerical modelling of WECs, the limitations and the alternative numerical approaches
• The State of the Art of experimental model-ling of WECs, the limitations
• The State of the Art of control of WECs
By the end of the course, the participants will have carried out the following tasks:
• Wave measurement and generation in wave tank
• Numerical investigation of the performance of a WEC
• Experimental investigation of the performance of a WEC with and without control
Lecturers: Francesco Ferri, Morten Kramer
ECTS: 6.0
Dates: 22 May - 2 June 2023
Deadline: 1 May 2023
Place: The course will be held in TMV23, between lecture rooms and laboratory.
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Francesco Ferri
Generation and Analysis of Waves in Physical Models
Description:
The course deals with advanced methods and techniques in generation and analysis of waves in physical models. The course will cover analysis of long and short-crested waves, generation of linear and non-linear regular waves, generation of oblique waves and associated laboratory difficulties, generation of long-crested and short crested irregular waves, wave reflections and associated laboratory difficulties, active absorption in flumes and basins, wave groups, bounded long waves and wave generator choice and design.
The course will be lectures followed by laboratory exercises to get hands on experience with the different methods.
Prerequisites: Basic fluid and wave mechanics
Learning objectives: The objective of the course is to train students in advanced methods and techniques in generation and analysis of waves in physical models in order to know their advantages and limitations.
Teaching methods: Lectures and laboratory exercises
Lecturers: Thomas Lykke Andersen, Peter Frigaard
ECTS: 5
Time: 13-17 November 2023
Place: TBA
Zip code:
City:
Number of seats:
Deadline: 23 October 2023
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Peter Frigaard
Sewer Processes - Modeling of sewer microbial and chemical processes
Description: The course provides a basis for up-to-date knowledge and modeling of sewer microbial and chemical processes and shows how this understanding can be applied for design, operation, and maintenance of wastewater collection systems. A central focus of the course is on predicting critical impacts and controlling adverse effects of hydrogen sulfide and other toxic/noxious gases.
The course:
· Present new modeling tools for the design and operation of sewer networks
· Establishes sewer processes as a key element in preserving water quality
· Details the WATS sewer process model
· Highlights the importance of aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic processes
The course will introduce experimental methods to quantify wastewater quality in terms of biodegradability and chemical composition. During the course, the participants will get hands-on experience with setting up numerical sewer processes models and with determination of central model parameters.
Organizer: Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen & Jes Vollertsen
Time: 18 - 22 September 2023
ECTS: 5
Number of seats: 20
Deadline: 28 August 2023
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen
- Teacher: Jes Vollertsen
Hands-On Analysis of Microplastics
Description: Analyzing microplastics requires thorough knowledge on analytical techniques and approaches, but also a deep understanding of how things are done in practice in the field and the lab. This PhD course focuses on the hands-on part of the work.
The course will start with a short introduction to selected sampling methods, after which we go sampling. The participants will collect a marine or freshwater sample by means of filtering devices or nets, and sample marine or freshwater sediments by grabs or corers. The samples are taken to the lab and analysis begins. As microplastics analysis takes many weeks per sample, we supplement the analysis of the sample you have collected with pre-prepared samples – a “cocking show” approach. After having prepared the samples, you will get hands-on on FTIR analysis of large and small particles (ATR-FTIR and µFTIR imaging, respectively).
This course requires that you document the necessary theoretical background. For example, by having attained the PhD course “Analytical Methods for Microplastic Quantification in Complex Matrixes” also held at Aalborg University, attained one of the previous years courses on microplastics analysis at Aalborg University, or similar activities and backgrounds.
Lecturers: Claudia Lorenz, Alvise Vianello, Jes Vollertsen
ECTS: 2
Time: one week in October 2023 (either 16.-20. or 23.-27.10)
Place:
Zip code:
City:
Number of seats:
Deadline:
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Jes Vollertsen
Analytical Methods for Microplastic Quantification in Complex Matrixes
Description: This PhD course addresses the theory of sampling, sample preparation and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to analyze microplastics in environmental matrices.
The course will start with the principles of techniques for sampling of microplastics and with the principles of clean-up of such samples. We will discuss the steps needed in cleaning up samples for natural organic and inorganic matter, as well as getting samples ready for subsequent identification. We will cover approaches and issues for QA/QC of your analysis, here amongst field blanks, laboratory blanks, recovery studies, and what are appropriate sample sizes to obtain statistically robust data.
From here, the focus shifts towards some theory on suitable techniques for microplastics quantification. We will cover the most commonly applied techniques, namely ATR-FTIR and µFTIR imaging – the combination of light microscopy with spectral images generated by Focal Plane Array (FPA) or linear array-based instruments to a particle assembly. The second commonly used spectroscopic method, Raman, is also covered. We address Raman spectroscopy and its application for automated particle selection for faster mapping. The last family of covered techniques are Gas Chromatographic – mass spectrometry based techniques, where we focus on pyrolysis GC-MS as the most commonly used approach. The last step in microplastics research is the interpretation of the obtained data. We provide our solution for it in the software siMPle, which is used for automated µFTIR imaging and Raman imaging data interpretation. You will be taught how it works and will get first-hand experience during our practice session.
All steps of the course require a high degree of expertise and training. This course is aimed to introduce participants to all steps and discuss issues, pros and cons of different approaches, and is in general very open and informally structured to promote discussions. This course requires the participants to read up on the theory before the course, and is evaluated by a subsequent test. All the lectures will be organized and given by experts in the field of microplastic research, and top analysts and product specialists from the most prominent companies involved in analytical instrumentation used in the field.
Lecturers: Claudia Lorenz, Alvise Vianello, Jes Vollertsen
ECTS: 4.0
Time: October 2023, 3 several lectures over three weeks
Place: TBA
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Jes Vollertsen
Title of the course: Advanced control for building applications |
Organizer: Alireza Afshari |
Lecturer(s): Samira Rahnama, Hicham Johra, Mahmood Khatibi |
Topic, background and motivation for the course: Despite extensive research and successful implementation of advanced control techniques, like MPC, in other fields, the application of such techniques is still limited in practice in building services engineering. One of the reasons seems to be the lack of knowledge among building service engineers about advanced control methods. There is a growing need for multidisciplinary education on advanced control methods in the built environment. Buildings use a large share of total energy use around 35–40% in many countries. In Denmark, buildings account for 40% of the Danish energy use. Building energy-related activities are responsible for the 19% of GHG emissions worldwide. Therefore, it is motivated to investigate the energy saving potential in the building sector. Advanced building control can considerably reduce building energy use. For instance, numerous studies reported that advanced HVAC control can notably reduce energy use and mitigate GHG emissions with average energy savings of 13% to 28%. The most popular advanced building control solution among the scientific community is Model Predictive Control (MPC) due its proven ability to handle constraints while optimizing the system performance. MPC on the supervisory level can be designed to find energy-efficient or cost-efficient control settings for the local controllers, taking into account the system level characteristics, interactions and comfort constraints. MPC combines building modelling, measurement, disturbance forecasting as well as information from external sources in the optimization formulation in order to find optimal control settings. |
Prerequisites: - Basic knowledge of a programming language (MATLAB/Python/R) - Knowledge of basic control methods, e.g. feedback control loop, PID controllers - Basic knowledge of building energy modelling and thermodynamics - Basic knowledge of linear algebra
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Learning objectives: This course is intended for PHD students in the built environment and building service engineers, at national and international level, who want to: - increase their knowledge about the most recent advanced control techniques and their applications in the built environment - learn the theory and practice of Model Predictive Control and MPC problem classes for building applications - learn how to formulate an MPC problem for building applications - learn how to implement a basic MPC algorithm in a small-scale experimental mock-up
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Teaching methods: Teaching method comprises of lecture presentations by the teachers, simulation exercises with teachers’ supervision and discussion-based experimental demonstration possibly with competition between groups of student. The structure of the course is as follows:
Day 1 (Theoretical) · Lecture 1: A glimpse of control theory o Control of dynamical systems: examples of control problems in building application, types of control: model free (PID) and model-based control, open loop, and closed loop control) o LTI system: eigen value and vector, stability of the system, controllability o Pole placement o A MATLAB simulation example from building application for checking the controllability and stabilize the system with pole placement · Lecture 2: Optimal control design o LQR control o Full-state estimation: observability and Kalman filter design o LQG control o A MATLAB simulation example from building application for LQR, Kalman filter and LQG control design · Lecture 3: Model Predictive Control o General concepts of MPC o Modelling (White box - Black box- Grey box) o A MATLAB simulation example for Grey box modelling of a case study from a building application Day 2 (Simulation) · Lecture 1: An MPC design in MATLAB o Introduction to CVX toolbox o Cost functions formulization and constraints definition o Presentation of a real-life case study (SmartVENT project) (Energy flexibility) · Simulation exercise and homework (An example similar to SmartVENT project but simpler, in which the white box model is either modelled in IDA ICE or be one of the SIMULINK models in MATLAB ) Day 3 (Laboratory experiment) · Lecture 1: Introduction on the experimental setup · Experimental exercise o Run the experimental system and be familiar with the it o Input-output data collection o Identify the system model and simulate the MPC controller o Implement the MPC controller on the experimental setup o Comparison of a PI control and the MPC control on the system performance
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Criteria for assessment: - Attendance in all course days as scheduled is required. - Report on the simulation results. - Presentation of the experimental results provided by each group
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Key literature: - Jan Drgona et al., All you need to know about model predictive control for building, Annual Reviews in Control, 2020 - Predictive control with constraints. by Maciejowski - L. Wang, Model Predictive Control System Design and Implementation Using MATLAB. Springer, 2009 - Henrik Madsen, Statistical Modelling of Physical Systems (An introduction to Grey Box modelling) |
ECTS for the student (28 hours of work load per ECTS): 3 ECTS |
ECTS for the teacher (50,4 hours of work load per ECTS): 3 ECTS |
Number of hours planned spent of the following: (for teacher) Lectures: 10,4 Exercises with supervision from lecturer 23,6 Other (please specify) 127,6 preparation of the experimental setup, preparation of the course materials and assessment of the homework |
Tentative dates for course: November 2023 |
Maximal number of participants: 20 |
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Alireza Afshari
Title of the course:
Object-oriented modeling and simulation of building energy systems with Modelica
Course description:
Due to climate change, more stringent building energy standards are enforced to reduce building primary energy use. This causes a shift towards the use of more advanced and complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, which often include renewable energy sources.
Building energy simulation programs are powerful tools that have been increasingly used by engineers and researchers for the design, analysis and optimization of HVAC systems in buildings. However, today’s programs have difficulties to handle the challenges posed by the complexity of future HVAC systems.
This course aims to present latest developments in modeling and simulation of HVAC systems based on Modelica modeling language. Modelica is a promising open-source language that features ease of use, visual design of models with combination of Lego-like predefined blocks, ability to define model libraries with reusable components, and support for modeling and simulation of complex applications involving parts from different engineering domains.
The course is organized in three days. In the first day, the course gives a basic introduction of Modelica fundamentals by introducing object-oriented and equation-based modeling. In the second day, the concepts previously learnt are used to develop a model of a simple house with a radiator heating system. In the third day, a more advanced Modelica model consisting of an air-conditioning system for office buildings is developed.
Day 1: Introduction to Modelica and Dymola
· What is Modelica?
· Dymola software tool
· Basics of the Modelica modeling language
· Object-oriented and equation-based formulation
· Modelica libraries
Day 2: Hands-on training 1: Simple house with radiator heating system
· Solving 1D transient heat conduction
· Creating a single-room model
· Building envelope modeling
· Radiator heating system and controller
Day 3: Hands-on training 2: Air-conditioning system for office buildings
· Creating an office building model
· Developing a constant air volume ventilation system
· Heating and cooling generation and distribution (incl. renewable energies)
· Discussion of simulation results
Prerequisites:
· Basic knowledge of any programming language
· Basic knowledge of building simulation programs
· Knowledge of thermo-fluid dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms in buildings
Learning objectives:
After the course, participants will be able to use Modelica libraries, create models of building rooms and HVAC systems on their own, run simulations, and analyze results.
Teaching methods:
Teaching will be provided as a mix of lecture presentations, hands-on trainings, simulation exercises and discussions.
Criteria for assessment:
Participants will be evaluated through a final assignment, which consists in the preparation of a report to be delivered 2 weeks after the end of the course.
Key literature:
· Peter Fritzson. (2014). Principles of Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation with Modelica 3.3: A Cyber-Physical Approach. John Wiley & Sons.
· Jan Hensen and Roberto Lamberts. (2019). Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation. Routledge.
· Michael Wetter, Wangda Zuo, Thierry S. Nouidui & Xiufeng Pang. (2014). Modelica Buildings library, Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 7:4, 253-270.
Organizer:
Alireza Afshari, Professor (Aalborg University)
Lecturers:
Alessandro Maccarini, Assistant Professor (Aalborg University)
Michael Wetter, Computational Senior Scientist (LBNL, USA)
ECTS:
3 ECTS
Time:
October 2023
Place:
Aalborg University (Copenhagen campus). Online participation will be available.
Max. number of participants:
18
Deadline for registration:
3 weeks prior to the course
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Alireza Afshari
Indoor Environmental Quality
A multidisciplinary scientific field
Description
Buildings are built for a particular purpose, such as living, working or teaching. Regardless of the type of building, the main purpose is always to ensure an indoor environment of the quality required for the users. Despite the straightforward motivation for creating a certain indoor environment, the processes of designing, constructing, operating, commissioning, and maintaining indoor environments for people are complex, with numerous factors affecting user well-being.
Indoor environment in buildings is a well-established multidisciplinary research field involving engineering, anthropology, sociology, psychology, biology, microbiology, medicine, chemistry, physics, philosophy (/aesthetics) and more. As such, no single scientific field or organisation can successfully address and integrate all aspects for providing a satisfactory indoor environmental quality. Some of this expertise has been incorporated into building codes, and the regulating bodies have come a long way in ensuring quality in indoor environments (in new constructions).
Meanwhile, there is still a lot to learn about newly identified parameters and challenges. Even though many indoor environmental challenges are interrelated, current practice tends to consider these challenges individually and separately. This course is built on the understanding that the future of indoor environmental quality as a scientific field could benefit greatly from an increased appreciation for its complexity and multidisciplinary nature.
Teaching format
Teaching will be done primarily by lectures. The course will offer a series of lectures each individually exploring certain aspects of indoor environmental quality. Lectures will be given by various presenters, all experts in their respective fields. The broad perspective of the lectures will double as examples to attest to the complex and multidisciplinary nature of the scientific field. Further, the course will introduce exercises and tools to help participants remember and use core principles in everyday work designing, constructing and maintaining indoor environments.
Finally, participants can opt for handing in an essay after the course (3-5 pages). The subject of the essay is to be related to the scientific field of indoor environmental quality and the (project) work otherwise undertaken by the respective course participants. The purpose of the written exercise is to allow students to engage in an academic discussion with course lecturers and receive feedback on their submitted text.
Meta
Organizer: Professor Alireza Afshari – aaf@build.aau.dk
BUILD - Division of Sustainability, Energy and Indoor Environment
Research group for Indoor Environmental Quality and Building Systems
Lecturers:
Lasse Rohde, Postdoc, Aalborg University
Henrik N. Knudsen, Senior researcher, Aalborg University
Niss Skov Nielsen, Researcher, Aalborg University
ECTS: 3 ECTS
Time: October 2023
Place: Aalborg University – Copenhagen campus
Zip code: 2450
City: Copenhagen
Number of seats: 14
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Alireza Afshari