SES Doctoral Course structure at UC

The SES Doctoral Course at the University of Coimbra aims to develop its students' abilities to contribute to interdisciplinary interventions in areas such as the efficient use of energy, centralized or decentralized energy production, or the distribution of energy. Students who earn a PhD through this program understand the technological, economic, and environmental challenges facing new energy systems. They learn to analyze systems and their interrelations and are able to develop research activities and tackle highly complex problems concerning the energy-environment dynamic.

In addition to mandatory modules (M) on Research Methodology and Thesis Preparation, in the first year, students may choose from a range of optional modules (O) in the areas of Buildings and Urban Environment (life-cycle analysis construction and equipment, interaction between buildings and their environment, and planning and decision support using geographical information systems) and Energy Systems and Policy (energy and environmental economics, energy markets in their various types of organization and regulation, efficient use of energy by overcoming market barriers, and the organization of transportation systems for sustainability). More general modules are also available, including Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Industrial Ecology, Measurement, and Data Acquisition Systems. In total students need to complete 60 credits (ECTS) in their first year.

Module Description

Research Design and Methods

1st Semester, Mandatory, 3 ECTS

Lecturer:
Luís Adriano Oliveira - Full professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Defining a research objective
• Making a literature review
• Elaborating a research proposal
• Research strategies: samples, models and the role of statistics.
• Validation: reliability and reproducibility

Learning outcomes

• By the end of this module, the student should be able to select his research area and advisor, acquire comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the literature of his research area, select and understand appropriate research methodologies, be able to perform critical analysis, and develop a framework to guide his analysis. The student should also understand the knowledge dissemination process, including the nature of the research report (thesis), research articles and the peer review process, and research talks. The student will also learn about the research funding process and grantsmanship
• In parallel to these strategic objectives, the student should get a strong human background and the skills that will enable him to do autonomous as well as collaborative research in full compliance with ethic and social issues. Determination and resilience towards adversity in the research process and enjoying the research itself are also crucial qualities to be addressed

Thesis Project

1st and 2nd semester, Mandatory, 30 ECTS

Lecturers:
Each student’s prospective PhD thesis supervisor (assigned at the beginning of the semester).

Main topics

• Developing a thesis project

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, the student will have written a detailed research proposal, and will be able to defend it before the faculty and her/his peers.

Energy Management in Buildings

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturers:
Humberto Jorge - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Álvaro Gomes - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

1. Use of energy in buildings
   1. Introduction to energy consumption in buildings
   2. Design and project of energy-efficient buildings; green-building
2. Efficient use of electricity
   1. Lighting
   2. Driving force
   3. Other equipment
   4. Air conditioning in buildings
   5. Equipment used for heating and cooling
   6. Solutions for energy recovery
   7. Distribution networks
3. Inspection and maintenance
4. Management technique integrated systems
   1. Energy management systems
   2. Services integration: control of access, concierge and management of attendance, security, maintenance, etc.
5. Building energy audits
   1. Equipment and methodology; breakdown of consumption
   2. Determination of energy indicators
   3. Methods for estimating energy savings
   4. Economic analysis
   5. Legal issues in the building sector
   6. Integrated production of energy in buildings
   7. The concept of zero-energy building
   8. Integration of renewable energy in building; adoption of combined production solutions (co-generation, tri-generation, micro-generation and micro co-generation)

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will have the skills to actively participate in multidisciplinary design and project-efficient building teams in terms of energy efficiency. They will also develop skills to identify and characterize, in terms of energy use, environmentally and economically, measures to rationalize energy consumption in buildings.

Indoor Environmental Quality

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Manuel Carlos Gameiro da Silva - Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Indoor air quality: general concepts; Sick-Building Syndrome; key elements in indoor air pollutants
• Methodologies for air quality evaluation: Legal framework and existing regulations; strategies for creating good IAQ
• Thermal Environment: thermal balance of the human body; mechanisms of thermoregulation; evaluation indices of thermal environment; standards for the evaluation of thermal environments (ISO 7730, ISO 7726 e ISO 7243); measurements equipment and its requirements
• Lighting: spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; lighting quality; tadiometric and photometric units; requirements for indoor lighting
• Noise: basic concepts; major descriptors, human perception of sound; noise measurement equipment and requirements; sound frequency analysis; indoor acoustic conditioning; acoustic quality indices
• Vibrations: basic concepts; major descriptors; corrective measurements; measurement equipment and its requirements

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will have the skills to actively participate in multidisciplinary design and project-efficient building teams in terms of energy efficiency. They also will have the skills to identify and characterize, in terms of energy use, environmentally and economically, measures to rationalize energy consumption in buildings.

Seminar - Buildings and Urban Environment

2nd Semester, Optional, 3 ECTS

Lecturer:
António Tadeu - Full Professor, Civil Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

Research themes regarding actual or emerging subjects related to Energy Systems and Policy, including

• Integration of production systems resorting to renewable energy in buildings
• Energy markets
• Urban metabolism
• Legal framework related to energy production and supply
• Energy source diversification
• Transportation-related energy consumption problems

Learning outcomes

• Development of new abilities associated with research, namely, problems identification, work planning, information research, data analysis and synthesis.
• Development of students’ oral and written exposition capabilities, as well as the skills required to plan and produce reports and presentations.

Buildings and Environment

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Divo Quintela - Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Solar radiation
• Movement of geofluid and aerodinamics
• Urban Climatology

Learning outcomes

The student will understand fundamental concepts concerning solar radiation and the atmospheric wind leads to perspectives of practical use within the built environment. The student will develop capabilities in order to understand and participate in several apparently distant areas such as the bioclimatic design of buildings, the rational use of energy or sustainability challenges.

The student will be able to intervene in building design taking into account the air quality, the environmental comfort, the planning of urban spaces for leisure, the climate change, thermal stress, the prevention of the inherent risks associated and their effects on environmental health.

Ventilation, HVAC Systems and Buildings Systems

2nd Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Adélio Gaspar - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

1. Introduction: historical notes; fundamental concepts
2. Air conditioning and distribution systems:  air conditioning components; systems types; unitary air conditioners; heat pump systems; heat recovery systems; thermal storage
3. Moist air properties and conditioning processes: moist air and the normal atmosphere; fundamental parameters; psychrometric chart; typical moist air processes; enthalpy potential
4. Comfort and health in indoor environments: thermal comfort concepts; human body thermal heat balance and physiological considerations; environmental indices; evaluation and control of moderate thermal environments; regulations and standards
5. Heating and cooling loads: heat transfer through the building envelope; indoor and outdoor design conditions; envelope heat loads (walls, windows, infiltration); internal heat gains; simplified methods and the building thermal simulation; national regulation (RCCTE)
6. Ventilation fundamentals: Principles of indoor air distribution and their applications; fans, ducts and diffusers; design of ventilation networks; CAD/CFD tools
7. Refrigeration: basic concepts; compression cycle; refrigerants; absorption and adsorption cycles; design requirements for food conservation (refrigeration and freezing)

Learning outcomes

The main scope of this module is to present and develop the fundamental concepts having to do with the climatization of buildings and related systems. We will consider topics related with health and thermal comfort, building thermal behavior and loads, psichrometric processes, ventilation principles and HVAC components and systems, and will give students the necessary background with which to proceed in the design and analysis of HVAC systems for buildings.

Building Envelope – Outside Environment

2nd Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturers:
Raimundo Mendes da Silva - Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Maria Isabel Torres - Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

Primary building elements and their contribution to the thermo-hygrometric performance of the buildings

• Opaque facades
• Roofs (flat and pitched)
• Windows

Sub-themes:

• Requirements: General performance requirements; specific approach to thermal and hygrometric requirements
• Materials: Available materials for support, specific layers, finishing and auxiliary components and their characteristics
• Design: Performance-based design (multidisciplinary approach of current surfaces and detailing)
• Technology: Technological approach of construction and maintenance and their restraints
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for thermal and hygrometric improvement

Learning outcomes

Students should acquire essential knowledge on construction technology to be able to undertake the following activities

• Conceive, calculate and define execution conditions for primary elements of buildings (wall facades, roofs and windows) taking into account a wide range of functional requirements, which they must identify and use accurately in different situations
• Choose building materials, according theirs characteristics, advantages and technological restraints
• Appraise primary elements of existing buildings, evaluating and criticizing their potential performance, particularly in the thermo-hygrometric domain, conceiving rehabilitation strategies in order to improve their performance

Energy Economics and Markets

2nd Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Patrícia Silva - Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Scope of energy economics
• Transformation of the value chain in the energy industry
• Structure of energy supply and demand
• Market transition, regulatory reform and the introduction of competition
• Motivation of public policies in the energy sector and in EU directives
• Market design: critical issues, including market power, energy crises, security of supply, market failures and externalities, mergers and acquisitions, the emergence of new wholesale markets, including formation of spot and futures prices
• Energy finance and financial risk management; aspects of volatility and mechanisms for hedging risk
• Case studies in the construction of the European internal market for electricity

Learning outcomes

Students will acquire knowledge of energy economics, analytics and modeling; promote their research capacity at the intersection of economics-engineering; train students in decision-making processes that affect the economy and energy management, both within the state and in industrial enterprises, including economic, political or institutional aspects that affect management decisions.

Environmental Economics

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturers:
Luís Cruz - Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
Eduardo Barata - Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Introduction: environmental economics
• The neoclassical approach to environmental economics;
• Natural resource economics
• Economics of pollution control
• Environmental valuation and resources accounting
• Sustainable development
• Environmental instruments and policy

Learning outcomes

As a result of this program, students will understand key approaches to studying interactions between the environment and the economy; develop an awareness of neoclassical principles in the context of environmental economics; know the different natural resources classifications; understand the main approaches of the depletable resources and the renewable resources theories, with particular emphasis on the dynamic analysis of resources allocation; comprehend the main approaches in the economics of pollution control, know about key environmental valuation techniques, as well as how to interpret the results and identify their main potentialities and limits; understand sustainable development and identify basic strategies for its promotion; understand the main contributions of ecological economics; develop a critical understanding of the relationship between the concepts and models presented, and real-world economics; appropriate mathematical techniques toward solving (real or simulated) problems.

Energy Management in Industry

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturers:
Humberto Jorge - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Alvaro Gomes - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

1. Energy use characterization: breakdown of consumption by use and source; determination of energy indicators; analysis of charges with energy
2. Electricity: distribution networks of electricity; efficient use (driving force, compressed air, lighting); audits
3. Thermal energy: production systems; distribution networks; efficient use; inspection and maintenance; audits
4. Combined production of electricity/heat/cold
5. Consumption rationalization plans: scope of application and regulations/standards

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will have the ability to identify and characterize, energetically in terms of energy use, environmentally and economically, measures to rationalize energy consumption

Seminar: Energy Systems

2nd Semester, Optional, 3 ECTS

Lecturers:

Humberto Jorge - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Alvaro Gomes - Assistant Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

Research work on themes regarding actual or emerging themes related to the branch Energy Systems and Policy, including

• Integration of production systems that utilize renewable energies in buildings
• Energy markets, urban metabolism
• Legal framework related to the production and supply of energy
• Energy sources diversification
• Transportation-related energy consumption problems

Learning outcomes

To promote the development of new abilities associated to the research work, namely, problem identification, work planning, information research, data analysis and synthesis. Also, to develop students’ oral and written exposition capabilities, as well as the skills needed to plan and deliver reports and presentation sessions.

Renewable Energy Systems

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Almerindo Ferreira - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Renewable versus non-renewable sources of energy; overview of renewable sources of energy and renewable energy technologies; the sun and the origin of renewable energy flows
• Solar energy: fundamentals of solar radiation (the solar system, sun apparent path, attenuation of the solar radiation, solar energy at the earth surface); solar thermal systems; solar photovoltaic conversion; applications
• Wind energy: the atmospheric boundary layer; prediction of wind speed: analytical models and numerical models; wind energy potential; propeller-type converters; wind power electric generator technologies and integration in the grid
• Bioenergy: biomass types, energy vectors and technology paths; conventional and advanced technologies for the production of heat and electricity from biomass; biofuels for transportation, waste-to-energy technologies and biogas; biorefineries
• Hydroelectricity, including mini-hydro and pumped storage
• Ocean and water energy water flows; ocean waves, tides and currents; pneumatic converters; available technology systems: oscillating water column (OWC), Archimedes Wave Swing (AWS)
• Geothermal energy
• Energy storage systems; Hydrogen as an energy carrier
• Future of renewable energy and barriers to developments of renewable sources of energy

Learning outcomes

The main objective of this module is to transmit to the students a broad view of society’s energy problems, specifically, the needs and advantages of using renewable energy resources. The students will become aware of the available options for renewable resources, with a particular emphasis on existing technologies for the attainment and production of energy. The focus will be directed towards solar thermal systems, wind energy, hydraulic systems, biomass and production of biofuel, wave and tide energy, and geothermic energy. Storage energy options will also addressed, as well as their applications.

Transportation and Energy

1st Semester, Optional, 3 ECTS

Lecturers:
João Coutinho - Associate Professor, Civil & Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Manuel Carlos Gameiro da Silva - Associate Professor, Civil & Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Transportation and energy
  • Relative energy consumption of different transport modes
  • Motorization rate of passenger cars—evolution in the EU
  • Evolution in road vehicle efficiency
  • Total life cycle energy use in vehicles
• Urban mobility and transportation: introduction and basic concepts
• Recent evolution of the urban system and evolution of the urban mobility
  • Present concerns about the evolution of the urban mobility
  • Possible solutions for the problems
  • Which courses of action to pursue in the short term
• Mobility management
  • Effects of modal shift from car to public transport
  • How to achieve reduction in energy and greenhouse gas emissions

Learning outcomes

Students will have an understanding of the relationship between energy consumption and the transportation sector, as well as of the transportation planning methods that could lead to a more rational use of energy resources.

Decision Analysis

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS (in Portuguese), 2nd Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS (in English)

Lecturer:
Luís Dias - Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
João Clímaco - Full Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Introduction to decision processes and decision-aiding
• Classic decision theory: criteria for decision under uncertainty, decision trees, value of information, utility theory, heuristics and biases in human judgment, structuring with influence diagrams
• Multi-criteria decisions: problems behind simple methods, multi-attribute utility theory, outranking methods (ELECTRE)
• Multi-actor decisions: the basics of social choice theory
• Decision process aspects: structuring a model; sensitivity and robustness analysis

Learning outcomes

• To understand the advantages of using formal methodologies in decision-aiding
• Recognize that many decision-aiding methodologies exist, each one with its advantages and shortcomings, while understanding why some methodologies are more adequate than others; understand the different stages of the decision-making process
• Be able to actively participate in the decision-making processes, either as a decision maker or as a consultant
• understand and avoid common shortcomings in decision-making behavior
• To know the main voting methods and their properties, as well as the reason why there is no perfect method
• To be able to model decision situations under uncertainty and to recommend choices, based on different criteria;
• To apply multi-attribute utility theory and ELECTRE methods in multi-criteria evaluation problems (choice, ranking, and rating)
• To become familiar with methods for reaching a collective decision, namely voting

Industrial Ecology

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Fausto Freire - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

1. Industrial Ecology and Sustainability: introduction and fundamental concepts; historic perspective of the environmental management systems’ evolution; Industrial Ecology as a new paradigm for the development and design of products and processes
2. Industrial Ecology: Analysis of case studies, including analysis of the potential for increasing the environmental efficiency of procedures, minimizing the production of waste (Clean Production) or seeking waste recovery, transforming them into products with added value in other sectors (Industrial Symbiosis); presentation of a case study: "The example of interdependence and development of industrial eco-park in Kalundborg, Denmark."
3. Analysis of materials, substances and energy flows: introduction and theoretical concepts; methodology: terms, definitions, system and borders; processes, flows and stocks; propagation of errors and uncertainties; analysis of sensitivity and analysis of Monte Carlo; implementing examples: Industrial Ecology and vehicles; indicators of eco-efficiency
4. Life Cycle Assessment: methodology and applications of Exergetic Life Cycle Analysis (ELCA). The Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); stages of methodologies and difficulties; multi-functionality: sub-division, expansion of the system and methods of allocation; data quality and errors analysis and uncertainties
   1. Extensions to the classic form of LCA: Eco-Design; Matrix Input-Output Economic and Environmental (IOA); LCA using the IOA matrices; the environmental management of the life cycle; models of integrated environmental and economic optimization—the Life Cycle Activity Analysis
   2. Application to case studies: calculation systematization through the use of software; carrying out a study

Learning outcomes

Students will be equipped with knowledge on advanced methods of assessment and design as applied to energy and environmental problems in the context of sustainability, and will be able to link to and integrate knowledge they obtained during their master’s studies when solving complex problems using a holistic and systemic perspective.

Fundamentals of Operations Research

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Carlos Hengeller - Full Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Origin and nature of Operations Research
• Overview of different OR models through illustrative examples
• Linear programming
• Sensitivity analysis and the goal programming model
• Special LP problems. Transportation, assignment , and transshipment problems
• Network optimization problems: Shortest path, Minimum spanning tree, max-flow, and minimum problems
• Non-linear programming

Learning outcomes

Students will acquire methodological and application competencies in the context of optimization in engineering problems, enabling to identify problem types, building adequate mathematical models, and learning algorithms to derive optimal solutions to the models. Particular attention is paid to the use of computer packages to obtain solutions, as well as sensitivity analyses of optimal solutions regarding changes in the model parameters.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2nd Semester, Optional, 3 ECTS

Lecturers:
Pedro Saraiva - Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra
Marco Seabra - Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

1. Innovation and competitiveness
2. Sources an assessment of business ideas
3. Entrepreneur profile
4. Business plans
5. Intellectual property and technology transfer
6. Intelligence search
7. Market study
8. Definition of the value proposal
9. Economic analysis
10. Strategic Analysis
11. Financial analysis and financing
12. Negotiation and communications

Learning outcomes

With this module students will develop the following skills and competencies

• Capacity and skills associated with entrepreneurship and innovation
• Awareness of the importance of innovation in the strategic management of organizations
• Understanding the impact of entrepreneurship in economic and social development
• Be able to use the tools for evaluating the profile entrepreneur and the commercial potential of ideas • To use the tools for creativity
• To understand a systematic methodology and tools to support the development of products and services
• To develop business plans and value proposals
• To foster interaction among people with different training profiles in real-world projects, multidisciplinarity of technological entrepreneurship; understand licensing, knowledge transfer and management of intellectual property, as well as risk and projects financing

Measurement and Data Acquisition Systems

2nd Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
Manuel Carlos Gameiro da Silva - Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Applications of measurement systems
• Functional description of measurement systems and general definitions
• Static characteristics of measurement systems
• Dynamic characteristics of measurement systems
• Signal processing
• Conditioning signal circuits
• AD and DA converters
• Signal transmission
• Data acquisition systems
• Computer applications for data acquisition
• Measurement of kinematics

Learning outcomes

In the end of this module students will have developed the following skills

• To select, configure and operate sensors and measurement systems
• To understand about computer systems and applications for automatic data acquisition
• To develop experimental work
• To identify problems
• To set planning
• To analyze and synthesize information
• To be aware of the importance that the experimental methods can have in solving engineering problems
• To realize the complementarity between theory and practice
• Written and oral capabilities and the skills for planning and writing a report and presentation sessions

Introduction to Energy Systems

1st Semester, Optional, 6 ECTS

Lecturer:
José Baranda Ribeiro - Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics systems
• Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics
• Fundamentals of Heat Transfer
• Fundamentals of Electric Energy

Learning outcomes

This module aims to provide a fundamental physics background for students who are interested on energy and engineering relationships, in particular, the different aspects of production, transport and use of thermal and electric energy. It also conveys the basic physical principles and the fundamental concepts concerning energy and energy systems as they relate to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and electrical energy. According to the expected scientific background of the students to which this course is addressed, the emphasis will be kept on the physics and the physical arguments—no mathematics being involved beyond simple integration. A list of selected bibliographic references is provided containing all the matters treated in the module; it also serving as a guide for those students who wish to probe deeper into the various fields covered in the course.

Energetic Planning and Sustainable Development

2nd Semester, Optional, 3 ECTS

Lecturer:
António Traça de Almeida - Full Professor, Computers and Electrical Engineering Department, University of Coimbra

Main topics

• Population, economy, natural resources and environment
• Energy and sustainable development; evolution of conventional technologies for electricity production
• Renewable energies; rational use of energy in industry and in buildings; energy planning
• Uncertainty; externalities assessment

Learning outcomes

This module aims to deepen student’s knowledge on aspects of production and planning of electric energy, as well as on aspects that condition that activity, focusing on new conversion technologies. The concept of Sustainable Development and its implications regarding energy planning will also be debated with the students.