Posted: April 27th, 2016

his is a mini project in which you will choose a significant piece of energy infrastructure undertake a detailed study using apply modelling, simulation and economic concepts described so far in the module.

Energy Infrastructure
Description
This is a mini project in which you will choose a significant piece of energy infrastructure undertake a
detailed study using apply modelling, simulation and economic concepts described so far in the
module. Dynamic PV output and domestic demand data will be provided through Webcourses
(remember, you will need to collect more data than this to complete your assignment – e.g. economic
data). Principally, you are require to:
1. develop a techno-economic model of a domestic-scale PV system from the perspective of the
householder;
2. implement this in a software programme such as Excel or Matlab;
3. simulate this model to estimate the cash flows for a sample of domestic dwellings;
4. investigate the sensitivity of the model; and
5. carry out appropriate experiments on the model which may reflect possible policy, subsidy,
tariff or capital cost scenarios.
This is a non-exhaustive list. Please review your notes, module reading lists and apply suitable
concepts and methods.
You may develop a different model for an energy system you are familiar with. Ensure you have the
necessary data. You should apply the course concepts as require above. Please discuss this with me
beforehand.
You will write a report covering the following:
– Introduction: motivation, scope, aim objectives
– Technology overview/literature review: technology description; system configuration and
boundaries; economics; other important concepts;
– Methodology/approach: detailed step-by-step approach detailing and justifying system
definition, model description including mathematical relationships and key parameters;
modelling, validation/verification, simulation, sensitivity analysis, experiments undertaken
(explaining why these were chosen), assumptions;
– Results and discussion;
– Conclusions;
– References, data sources etc.;
– Model appendix (in Excel, Matlab etc.).
The report should be well structured and concisely written, yet sufficient detailed to give the reader a
clear understanding of all aspects of the project – maybe 3,000-4,000 words long (excluding figures,
tables, references and appendices).
The computer model should be in Excel, MATLAB or similar, clearly laid out with explanatory text where necessary. Input and output variables and parameters should be clearly identified.
Mathematical relationships should be clearly identified (and included in the report). Use diagrams to
illustrate your model.