Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2023
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course aims to bring knowledge about the energy needed for transportation in our society and solutions how to provide energy efficient and sustainable transportation. The course starts with an overview of different transportation needs and the state of art solutions for them. The system efficiencies for those solutions and emissions are analyzed with relevant system borders.
Following that, there is an overview of the physical properties and boundary conditions that have a strong influence on the energy consumption for the various kinds of transportation. Infrastructure for transportation is studied, both for the transport itself and for the energy supply infrastructure (the latter is in focus). Investment cost as well as operational cost are addressed together with sustainability aspects. For different vehicles and transportation needs, various powertrain configurations and concepts are being used. An overview of both existing and emerging powertrains are given, with a special focus on the energy related and sustainability related characteristics and identification of the need for further development and implementation hurdles. The lead-time to phase in new solutions as well as phasing out less desired technologies is discussed.
Intended learning outcomes
The course aims at providing the students with fundamental background and tools for understanding the supply and use of energy for transportation purposes, with a special focus on sustainable solutions.
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
Explain the energy flow from source to wheel for various fossil and renewable sources (incl. new/advanced fuels) and transportation applications/systems (road, rail, maritime, aviation and space) and apply relevant system boundaries and determine the efficiency for the energy flow within the system. Explain the impact of emissions (global and local) and energy losses from transportation.
Identify and show an understanding of the physical properties and ambient conditions associated with transportation that have a substantial impact on the amount of energy used.
Explain the infrastructure needed for different transport options (both roads/tracks etc. and energy supply infrastructure) and the life-cycle influence (in economic, environmental and social terms) related to implementation of such infrastructures.
Describe different power train concepts and technologies for energy storage and bi-directional energy flow with their key characteristics and identify positive and negative aspects of on-board energy storage.
Identify gaps, bottlenecks and development trends (including digital solutions) towards sustainable transport systems as well as trends that counteract increased sustainability, e.g. increased energy use.
Learning activities
The course schedule is published in Course room on Canvas.
The course includes a project work to be performed in groups of students. To facilitate the learning by combining students with different background experiences and for the sake of diversity, the project groups will be organized randomly.
Preparations before course start
Recommended prerequisites
The course has been designed as a complementary elective to students in the Sustainable Energy Engineering Master Program, and with a pre-requisite of completing the courses listed below. The course is however also open to students from other MSc. or exchange programs given that they have studied the topics touched upon in the courses below.
• MJ2411, Renewable Energy Technologies, 6 credits
• MJ2405, Sustainable Power Generation, 9 credits
• MJ2407, Sustainable Energy Utilisation, 9 credits
• MJ2413, Energy and Environment, 6 credits
In addition, it is recommended to have knowledge in basic electrical engineering corresponding to relevant parts of MF1016 (9 credits) or MF 1017 (6 credits), Basic Electrical Engineering
Literature
The course literature is composed of:
Powerpoint presentations (published in Canvas)
Recorded lectures (published in Canvas)
Selected MSc theses (published in Diva)
Scientific papers (in KTHB databases and some are published in Canvas)
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
PROA - Project with two submissions, 2.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
TENA - Essay, 2.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Grading criteria/assessment criteria
ILO
E
D
C
B
A
1)
Basic understanding of the energy flows, system boundaries and efficiencies in various transportation energy systems.
Requirements for E and parts of C
E requirements + Ability to explain energy flows, system boundaries and efficiencies for different transportation applications and systems.
Requirements for C and parts of A
C requirements + Ability to explain energy flows, system boundaries and efficiencies for different fuels.
Assessed with Quiz KONA (grade E). Higher grades are assessed with the essay (INLB)
2)
Basic understanding of energy related physical properties of transportation.
Requirements for E and parts of C
E requirements + thorough description of these properties for one transport system.
Requirements for C and parts of A
C requirements + thorough description of these properties for two or more transport systems.
Assessed with Quiz KONA and/or Assignments INLA (grade E). Higher grades are assessed with the essay (INLB)
3)
Basic understanding of infrastructures needed and the sustainability impact
Requirements for E and parts of C
E requirements + thorough description of these properties for one transport system.
Requirements for C and parts of A
C requirements + thorough description of these properties for two or more transport systems.
Assessed with Quiz KONA and/or Assignments INLA (grade E). Higher grades are assessed with the essay (INLB)
4)
Basic description of at least two powertrain concepts that include energy storage, including key characteristics.
Requirements for E and parts of C
E requirements + discussion on positive and negative aspects of on-board energy storage.
Requirements for C and parts of A
C requirements + discussion on bi-directional vs. uni-directional interaction between energy supply and vehicle.
Assessed with the essay (INLB)
5)
Basic description of at least one trend that leads towards a more sustainable transport system and one trend that drives transportation in the opposite direction.
Requirements for E and parts of C
E requirements + thorough description of at least one trend in each direction.
Requirements for C and parts of A
C requirements + description of gaps and bottlenecks that need to be resolved for a broad implementation
Assessed with the essay (INLB)
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
