Energy and its sustainability will always be a key global issue for modern contemporary societies. As the world population urbanizes, the planning and design of resilient, resource-efficient, healthy cities and metropolitan regions is of the outmost importance. Buildings are responsible for a large share of our global energy use. Energy use is in fact the main determinant of a building’s global environmental footprint, considering its total life span. In order to really stand out, young professionals need education that is interdisciplinary: technical as well as economics/management/law related.
The International Hellenic University offers just such a diverse MSc in Energy Building Design programme that is open to candidates from different academic disciplines. Leading academics from prestigious academic institutions from Greece and abroad, together with instructors from public authorities and key players from energy-related organizations, will teach in this programme.
The programme has been developed to equip graduates of Engineering, Geotechnical and Natural Sciences departments with an in-depth understanding within the area of energy-efficient and environmental building design in order to significantly contribute to and influence the design, building or renovation of energy-efficient buildings, taking into consideration the architecture and environment, the inhabitants' behaviour and needs, their health and comfort as well as the overall economy.
This programme is designed for University graduates in engineering as well as graduates of other study programs with a suitable qualification who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge in the Energy Design of buildings, such as Engineering, Geotechnical and Natural Sciences departments.
Τhe School of Science and Technology is currently on a a 3-year educational collaboration funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), with Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH - Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg) in order to provide common courses in their respective Masters of Science in the field of Energy.
In the frame of this collaboration, students of the MSc in Energy Building Design will be given the opportunity to follow an elective course in TUHH, which will be specifically developed and offered in the academic years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to Master students of both universities. Similarly, master students of TUHH in the field of Energy will also be able to follow a specifically developed elective course at IHU. The course offered by the School of Technology of IHU will focus on Modelling and Simulation of Building Integrated Solar Energy Systems and will be available in the spring semester.
Furthermore, students of IHU will be given the opportunity to visit TUHH for 3 months and conduct their MSc thesis in Germany. All travel costs, living expenses and accommodation for students in Greece and Germany will be covered by the Greek-German collaboration project.
Furthermore during the 2018-2019 academic year students will have the opportunity to join the “Spiti Project”, which is the first ever participation of a Greek University to the final stage of the Solar Decathlon competition that will be held in Hungary.
Students will be able to participate in various aspects of designing, simulating and building a Solar House as members of the Universities student team.
The Structure
The MSc in Energy Building Design (full-time) is a 14-month programme taught over three terms. Lectures mainly take place on weekday evenings. The MSc in Energy Building Design programme is also available in part-time mode over 26 months for those who cannot commit to a full-time programme either for work or other reasons.
During the first term, students are required to follow five mandatory core courses. During the second term, students are required to follow three mandatory core courses tailoring their programme further by two elective courses. Finally, in the third semester, work is dedicated exclusively to the Master's dissertation. The Master's dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned during the year to a real-world problem or challenge.
During the second term students tailor their programme further by choosing elective courses. The choice of elective courses must sum up to 12 ECTS (2 courses). Some of the elective courses may not be offered in a particular year, depending entirely on student demand.
Modern managers and analysts, both in the energy and the financial sector, have at their disposal large amount of information/data sets and often are called to make efficient decisions based on that information. Therefore, ability to collect, organize and present large amount of data and, at a second stage, to make efficient decisions to minimize the prevailing risk factors is of major importance. The Quantitative Methods course will initiate students into the concepts related to Regression analysis and Statistical inference. In particular, the set of topics that will be examined are: Multiple regression models, Hypothesis testing, Testing Regression Assumptions (Heteroskedasticity, Serial correlation, Multicollinearity), Regression functional forms, Model selection, Models with qualitative dependent variables (Logit & Probit models). Basic objectives of the course are to edify students with theoretical and practical issues of the quantitative analysis. Overall, the course will permit students to familiarize with the usage of modern computer software which is used widely in the business sector. The student may apply into positions which call for data analysis and effective decision making.
Energy Design for Buildings
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
The course will cover the requirements for energy efficiency within the design process, stages in the design process, energy efficient design brief, sketch design, specific design. The specific factors that affect energy efficiency within heating systems, ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, motors and lighting will be discussed. Special care will be given in Low energy cooling techniques like night-time cooling, ground water cooling, hollow core slab, evaporative and desiccant cooling, free cooling as well as h eat recovery from contaminated air streams using run around coils, thermal wheels, re-generative heat exchangers.
Project Finance
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
In this course, students will learn the essential procedures for efficient energy project valuation and financing. The concepts of capital budgeting and project financing will be introduced and then the students will learn the investment procedure through theory and carefully selected case studies. In particular, the set of topics that will be examined are: Financial Arithmetic, Capital Budgeting decisions, Net Present Value, IRR, Valuation, Sources of Finance, Optimal Finance Mix, Project Finance, Investment Analysis under uncertainty, scenario analysis, decision trees, simulation, Real Option Analysis and finally, several Case Studies. On completion of the course students will be able to: a) read and understand key financial arithmetic and capital budgeting, b) learn to attract sources of finance to create the optimal finance mix for their energy project, c) analyze their investment and decisions under uncertainty and d) Evaluate and compare their theoretical background with real-life practice through carefully selected case studies.
Project Management
This course aims to provide students the background of Project Management in order to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. Familiarizing with the basic principles of project management is a vital ability for all employees in the energy and financial sector. Specifically, in the framework of the module the following disciplines will be thoroughly assessed; planning, organizing, securing and managing resources. Moreover, students will be guided into primary challenges of project management, i.e. meeting the project’s specific goals under project constraints. Scope, time, and budget present such typical constraints. Additionally, techniques towards optimizing the allocation and integration of inputs (e.g. capital, equipment, etc.) necessary to meet pre-defined objectives will be assessed. Emphasis will be also given on managing the project team, which is considered a critical parameter for any project’s success.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
The course will explore the fundamentals of heating, ventilating, and air- conditioning (HVAC) systems. Topics include discussion of psychrometrics, air conditioning processes, thermal comfort, indoor air quality and outdoor design conditions. Emphasis on the calculation of heating and cooling load in order to size suitable HVAC equipment, estimate energy consumption of the HVAC equipment, and control HVAC equipment. Both manual and computer methods will be used. As a student in this program you will focus on: Fundamentals of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, hot water systems and refrigeration principles, Industry standardized design practices for residential heating.
The course will introduce the student to the challenges in addressing the future of sustainable housing development. It will enhance the understanding of sustainable housing development from macro to micro scales and in the same-time develops the necessary qualitative and quantitative analytical skills pertaining to sustainable housing design. It will establish a thorough knowledge of examples and trends in temperate climate housing design, housing policy, energy self-sufficiency and construction technologies as well as a theoretical holistic framework for Zero-Carbon housing design that can be used to produce strategies for future development.
Building Integrated Renewable Energy Systems
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
This course aims to introduce the students to the theory and practice of integrating renewable energy technologies in the built environment. This includes a wide range of related practical skills such as the ability to assess the potential of sites and the initial cost of installing renewable energy generation and distribution systems. Students will acquire the necessary theoretical and practical skills for using renewable energy technologies in buildings that utilize: Solar, Bio-energy, Geothermal and Wind energy.
Building Energy Performance Simulation and Analysis
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
The course links’ legislation with the technical understanding required to demonstrate the compliance of a building design/approach. It provides an overview of relevant regulations and assessment tools like BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method), EPBD (EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings), and others. The focus will be on building regulation compliance assessment, Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates (for public buildings) and Sustainable Homes (for domestic buildings).
2nd Term Elective Courses
During the second term students tailor their programme further by choosing elective courses. The choice of elective courses must sum up to 12 ECTS (2 courses).
The aim of this course is to introduce students to be able to have an advanced knowledge of the operation of the energy markets, that is to say electricity market, natural gas market and renewable energy sources. In addition, an introduction to oil and gas law (upstream) will be taught.
Energy Transmission and Storage
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
Aims
The aim of this course is to broaden and expand knowledge of modern energy transmission and storage. More specifically, this course introduces the concept of energy transmission in a variable environment in terms of energy supply and demand. Finally, modern techniques for energy storage (electricity and other forms) are presented.
Learning Outcomes On completing the course students will:
Develop knowledge of the technology behind current electrical, natural gas and hydrogen networks
Develop an understanding of energy transmission in variable and congested network
Learn to provide power flow control to balance supply and demand
Acquire management skills in energy storage and network disturbances
Content
Electrical networks
Natural gas networks and future hydrogen networks including the technical opportunities, constraints and economics
Energy demand and supply variation in electrical networks
Electrical energy transmission in a variable environment and congestion management
Power flow control. Balancing supply and demand.
Natural gas networks
Technologies and prospects for hydrogen transmission
Energy storage for electrical networks and other forms of energy (gas, electrochemical)
Managing energy networks in the face of uncertainty and in distributed generation
Forecasting Methods
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
The increased exposure of energy markets to free competition is a stylized fact for every fast-growing economy on the globe. Incremental competition undeniably increases the risk/uncertainty for every market participant (energy producers, energy utilities, etc.). In a risky environment, it is of an imperative importance for all market participants to make optimal decisions. Therefore, effective model building and precise forecasting for a target variable (energy prices, energy demand) have become a significant comparative advantage for extracting meaningful information from the available data. The course examines in-depth modern model building approaches and forecasting techniques, which are widely used in the energy sector. Topics which are examined include: exploring data patterns, moving averages and exponential smoothing, time-series decomposition, forecasting via dynamic regression models and cointegrated models. Additional topics include AR models, ARIMA models (Box-Jenkins method), univariate and multivariate GARCH models, state space models, non-linear models, long-term forecasting and forecasting evaluation. Provided that the orientation of the course is applied, emphasis will be given on the effective usage of powerful forecasting software and as a result several classes will take place on a lab. The skills developed in the course will be useful for managers and practitioners in maximizing the effectiveness of polices and business decisions. The student may apply into positions, which call for general data analysis and forecasting and monitoring market trends.
Green Design and Planning for Hot Climates
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
Aims
The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the organisation and energy supply and demand in an urban environment. The course will present modern cities as an energy system that needs to be accurately modelled and optimised.
Learning Outcomes The course will make it possible for participants to:
Familiarise themselves with the growth in energy demand in urban environments
Understand cities and cities infrastructures as dynamic, complex systems that require dynamic resource allocation to sustain its operation
Model, analyse and finally optimise an urban environment as a dynamic energy system
Explore the possibilities of sustainable energy allocation in an urban environment through selected case studies.
Content
Urbanisation and growth in energy demand
Cities as dynamic systems
Characterising city infrastructures
Complex systems and networks
Energy supply, conversion and demands in cities
Resource flows and city sustainability
Modelling, analysis and optimisation of cities from an energy systems perspective
Transport modelling; land use interactions and energy demands
Case studies
Life Cycle Assessment
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
In order to achieve true sustainability, it is of paramount importance to assess the environmental impact of new products, technologies and systems using a holistic approach that takes into account all the steps in the lifecycle of the system under investigation. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a fundamental method for assessing the environmental impacts of products and technologies from a "cradle to grave" systems perspective. It is an essential tool for anyone who performs environmental analyses or uses the results of such analyses for decision making. This course will provide an introduction to LCA methods and applications. Besides the LCA methodology, focus will be given on the correct interpretation of the results and the understanding of the strengths and limitations of LCA. The theory taught will be complemented by a case study/project performed by the students, in order to obtain hands-on experience.
Modelling and Simulation of Building Integrated Solar Energy Systems
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
The course is offered by IHU School of Science and Technology in the frame of the DAAD-funded collaboration program with Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH).
The course aims to provide advanced understanding of solar thermal and PV energy systems and their integration in the built environment. Analytical methods for system components dimensioning and strategies for system operation and control, in order to build the skills required in the design of solar systems will be explained in detail.
The course covers the following topics:
Solar thermal systems design
PV systems design
The solar loop: low-flow and high-flow systems
Collector fields: hydraulic balancing, orientation, series and parallel connection, shadowing
Financial evaluation of solar projects
Simplified design method: F-Chart
Modelling and simulation tools
Transient simulation of solar thermal systems for hot water production and space heating
Worked-out examples of solar system simulations: dimensioning, control strategy implementation, operation optimization
Bibliography:
John A. Duffie & William A. Beckman, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Editor: John Wiley & Sons, 2006
Smart Cities
Teaching Hours and Credit Allocation:
30 Hours, 6 Credits
Course Assessment:
Exam & Coursework
Buildings of today are complex. They incorporate various systems and technologies in order to provide an ideal comfort level for their inhabitants. Over time, some of the components might be improved, allowing the buildings occupants to select lighting, security, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems independently, as if they were putting together a personal computer.
Nowadays, it is not enough for a building to simply contain the systems that provide comfort, light and safety but to connect them in an integrated, dynamic and functional way. In that way, the comfort level of the inhabitants can be secured while minimizing energy cost, supporting a robust electric grid and mitigating environmental impact.
In the course students will be introduced to the various building services installed in buildings to make them comfortable, functional, efficient and safe. They will learn how they can be controlled mechanically or electronically and how they are integrated in to modern buildings.
Dissertation
Dissertation
During the third semester, students work on their Master’s Dissertation project, the thematic area of which is relevant to their programme of studies and their interests. The dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in different courses to a real-world energy-related problem or challenge. Students are supervised throughout their projects by a member of the academic faculty and the academic assistants. After submission of the dissertation, students present their projects to classmates and faculty at a special event.
In the frame of the DAAD-funded collaboration program with Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), it is possible for a number of students to conduct part of their MSc thesis at TUHH in co-supervision from faculty members of both universities.
In collaboration with our academic associates and their supervisors, a number of students in the past have managed to succeed in publishing their dissertation projects in peer-reviewed journals or presenting them at international conferences. An indicative list of student publications includes:
G. Martinopoulos, G. Tsalikis, (2018) «Diffusion and adoption of solar energy conversion systems – The case of Greece», Energy, Volume 144, Pages 800-807
C. Andreadou, G. Martinopoulos, (2018) «CAPE-OPEN simulation of waste-to-energy technologies for urban cities», International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 37(1), pp. 96-104
N. Apergis, G. Vouzavalis, (2018), Asymmetric pass through of oil prices to gasoline prices: Evidence from a new country sample, Energy Policy,Volume 114,Pages 519-528
S. C. Akcaoğlu, G. Martinopoulos, and C. Zafer, (2017) «Experimental Analysis of the Potential Induced Degradation Effect on Organic Solar Cells», International Journal of Photoenergy
C. Antoniadis, G. Martinopoulos, (2017) «Simulation of Solar Thermal Systems with Seasonal Storage Operation for Residential Scale Applications», In Procedia Environmental Sciences, Volume 38, 2017, pp. 405-412
C. Antoniadis, G. Martinopoulos, (2017) «Optimization of a Building Integrated Solar Thermal System with Seasonal Storage», 1st International Conference on Building Integrated Renewable Energy Systems, Dublin
P. Bampou, (2017). Green buildings for Egypt: a call for an integrated policy. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 36(10), 994-1009.
Ziogou, I., Zachariadis, T., (2017) “Quantifying the water–energy nexus in Greece”, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 36 (10), pp. 972-982.
A. Zachopoulos, E. Heracleous, (2017), “Overcoming the equilibrium barriers of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol via water sorption: A thermodynamic analysis”, Journal of CO2 Utilization, Volume 21, Pages 360-367
E. Kontopoulos, G. Martinopoulos, D. Lazarou, N. Bassiliades, (2016) «An ontology-based decision support tool for optimizing domestic solar hot water system selection», Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, pp. 4636-4646
Anastaselos D.A., Oxizidis S., Manoudis A., Papadopoulos A.M. (2016), Environmental performance of energy systems of residential buildings: towards Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Cities and Society, 20, 96-108.
K. Rossios, K. Sardi, G. Martinopoulos, (2015) «Numerical Simulation of LNG Evaporation Inside Semi-Trailer Trucks Used For the Transportation of LNG to Small Scale Terminals and Refueling Stations: Parameters and Implications», 8th GRACM International Congress on Computational Mechanics, Greece.
Ipsakis D., Kraia T., Fylaki P., Ouzounidou M., Papadopoulou S., Voutetakis S. and Marnellos G., "Design and feasibility study of an integrated process for the exploitation of H2S from the Black Sea for energy and H2SO4 production", Proceedings of the 10th Panhellenic Chemical Engineering Conference, Patra, 4-6/6/2015
Ziogou I. and Zachariadis T., Quantifying the Water-energy Nexus in Greece, Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology Rhodes, Greece, 3-5 September 2015
Dogan K., Martinopoulos G., “Blade Element Momentum Theory and CFD modeling as a tool for optimizing wind turbine blade design” World Renewable Energy Congress WREC XIII, London, 2014.
D. Dimitriadis, D. Missirlis, G. Martinopoulos, “Investigation of the performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine with the use of blade element momentum theory and CFD computations”, European Wind Energy Association Conference 2014 – Barcelona
G. Martinopoulos, G.Tsalikis, "Active solar heating systems for energy efficient buildings in Greece: A technical economic and environmental evaluation", Energy and Buildings, Volume 68, Part A, January 2014, Pages 130-137.
Anastasiou F. and Martinopoulos G., “Solar Air Conditioning Systems As A Step Towards Nearly Net Zero Energy Buildings”, 10th Conference on Renewable Energy Sources, Thessaloniki, Greece, 2014 (In Greek)
Martinopoulos G. and Tsalikis G. (2014) “Active Solar Heating Systems for Energy Efficient Buildings in Greece: A Technical Economic and Environmental Evaluation”, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 68, Part A, p. 130-137.
Bitos C. and Kiartzis S., “Energy Demand Analysis and Energy Saving Potentials in the Greek Road Transport Sector”, 7th International Scientific Conference on Energy and Climate Change, Athens, 2014
Kanellakis M., G. Martinopoulos and T. Zachariadis (2013). European Energy Policy–A Review. Energy Policy, Vol. 62, p. 1020-1030
Charalampous, G. & Madlener, R. (2013). "Risk Management and Portfolio Optimization for Gas- and Coal-fired Power Plants in Germany: A Multivariate GARCH Approach," FCN Working Papers 23/2013, E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN).
Charalampous, G. & Madlener, R. (2013). "Risk Management and Portfolio Optimization for Gas- and Coal-fired Power Plants in Germany: A Multivariate GARCH Approach," Proceedings of 14th IAEE European Energy Conference, Rome, Italy.
Τ. Dergiades, R. Madlener, and G. Christofidou, "The Nexus between Natural Gas Spot and Futures Prices at NYMEX: Do Weather Shocks and Non-Linear Causality in Low Frequencies Matter?," FCN Working Papers 17/2012, E.ON Energy Research Center, Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior (FCN)
Examples of MSc in Energy Systems dissertations
Examples of MSc in Energy Systems dissertations
Labs
Labs
Students make extensive use of our recently set up Energy Lab. Facilities include a brand new computer-controlled Photovoltaic system, a computer-controlled Solar Thermal system, a computer controlled PEM Fuel cell, a computer controlled stirling engine, a 15kW organic Rankine cycle, a wind tunnel as well as an IR camera and environmental meters that students use during their studies and dissertation research.
Career paths
Career paths
There is a considerable focus on addressing low carbon energy building and building integrated renewable energy technologies and graduates of this program can expect to be highly sought after by employers.
The following indicative employment opportunities are available to our graduates after the completion of the MSc in Energy Building Design:
Senior technical positions in the construction/renovation sector
Managerial positions in the booming Renewable Energy sector as well as Utilities management
With Government policymaking
In addition to technical skills gained through study, our students benefit from the University's excellent Careers Office in order to attain essential Soft Skills (e.g. communication skills, interview preparation, CV writing etc.) to better prepare for the job market.