Green Energy: pillars and dreams

It's being discussed in so many circles, it seems within reach, yet we seem nailed to a post. But why isn't the ecological transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy made tomorrow? Come on, by 2030? No, 2050... so what are the problems?

In the course, designed and prepared by faculty from the Department of Energy at the Polytechnic University, we will seek to provide technical and scientific answers to these questions, focusing on the three main primary energy sources: water, solar, and wind. The main issues related to the potential use of renewable energy will be addressed, from energy conversion machines and systems to storage systems, including issues related to electricity grid management.

Energy scenarios and renewable sources

Together, we will explore the current and future situation, specifically focusing on the massive adoption of renewable energy, focusing on the "brakes" and "enablers/accelerators" of the ecological transition.

Machines and systems for energy conversion

Renewable primary sources require generators and conversion systems to be exploited. But these machines have specific characteristics and limitations, just like the exploitation of any energy source in general. They require knowledge and understanding to use them effectively, even if they appear before our eyes every day.

Electrical networks

But have we ever wondered what happens to the distribution grid when the power converted from renewable sources is introduced into our high, medium, and low voltage electricity grids at an incredibly random rate over time and at an immense intensity? We'll try to delve into this complex problem.

Accumulation

It often happens that there's wind and sun to use to generate electrical and mechanical power when in reality there's no need: what to do then? "Let's store it" is an easy saying... but storing energy is very complex... and don't think about the batteries in your smartphone, but try thinking about megawatts.

Led by professors and researchers from the Polytechnic University of Milan, students will learn to assess the extent of available and convertible renewable energy, and understand its immediate and time-phased management. The final goal is to understand the very different answers to the original question: when will the energy transition to renewables occur?

Video presentation