Simulation platform for economic analysis of renewable energies
The renewable energy teaching is attracting more attentions recent years. Numerous national-level teaching award and projects have been given to this area. Dr. Ji Dongxu has taught energy Conversion Process (ENE4003), Engineering Economics and Management (MSE 6002) for two years, and found that a proper simulation platform for renewable energy is needed and would be helpful to the students. The proposed teaching project will improve the teaching experience of both ENE 4003 and MSE 6002, by building comprehensive energy economics software. At the end of the semester, each student will be asked to build a model for one renewable energy, for example, solar thermal power, photovoltaic power, etc. Their stand-alone simulation model can eventually be integrated into the comprehensive simulation software.
To facilitate this project, a basic software platform needs to be built, including the basic economic metrics: NPV, IRR, and the essential thermodynamics simulation tools need to be integrated. The software built will have a long-lasting benefit to the future students. The expected outcome of this project would help to improve the teaching quality of ENE4003 and MSE 6002 and help to develop high-quality exemplary courses. Eventually, we will apply for provincial and national level teaching project and award.