Concepts explored in the laboratory and research activities are closely aligned with the theoretical lessons delivered in the university courses and educational activities, ensuring a cohesive learning experience. Through this approach, students are able to connect classroom teachings with practical applications, deepening their understanding of complex topics such as energy efficiency, HVAC system optimization, and smart energy management . The integration of hands-on research with academic instruction enhances both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of sustainable energy.
Holder: Alessandro Prada
Professor: Vittoria Benedetti
Degree Course: Master in Energy Engineering
Department: Faculty of Engineering - Free University of Bozen
Course Language: English
Link Syllabus: Building HVAC Systems
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of heating and cooling loads, building energy performance, and HVAC system functionality. They will be able to apply these concepts to the design and implementation of HVAC systems, assess their performance, and analyze energy consumption. Additionally, they will develop skills in technical communication through drawings and reports, while also cultivating the ability to self-train and stay updated with industry advancements.
Holder: Maurizio Grigiante
Professor: Giuseppe Roberto Pisaturo
Degree Course: Master in Energy Engineering
Department: Faculty of Engineering - Free University of Bozen
Course Language: English
Link Syllabus: District Heating System Design
The DHSD course provides students with essential skills in the technical and economic analysis of district heating networks, focusing on performance indices and energy configurations. It trains students in engineering methodologies for designing and managing these networks, including the integration of conventional and innovative energy systems. The course prepares students for careers in energy companies, ESCOs, and industries producing district heating components. It also offers a foundation for pursuing advanced studies in energy management, with a focus on economic and managerial aspects.
Holder: Vincenzo Trovato
Degree Courses: Master in Energy Engineering, Master in Civil Engineering
Department: Faculty of Engineering - Free University of Bozen; Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: English
Link Syllabus: Electrical Systems Engineering - Civil Engineering; Electrical Systems Engineering - Energy Engineering
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of electrical power transmission and distribution, as well as the key principles behind electrical system design. They will be able to design both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power lines, select appropriate circuit protection, and evaluate different voltage levels in energy transmission. Additionally, they will develop the ability to analyze existing power system designs, identify critical aspects, and assess their impact. Students will also gain proficiency in technical terminology, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in the field. The course will provide a broad foundation across multiple topics, enabling students to deepen their knowledge in specific areas and stay up to date with industry advancements.
Holder: Maurizio Grigiante
Degree Course: Master in Environmental Engineering, Master in Civil Engineering
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Energie Rinnovabili
The course aims to provide the engineering skills required for designing energy systems that use renewable energy sources as their primary source. It will focus on current design methodologies for solar thermal systems, solar cooling, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps (with an emphasis on geothermal systems), and technologies for thermal energy from biomass. The expected outcome is to give students a foundational understanding of the engineering challenges involved in designing and integrating renewable energy sources with traditional ones, including an economic analysis for assessing the profitability of the proposed systems.
Holder: Alessandro Prada
Assistant: Maja Danovska
Degree Courses: Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Bachelor in Environmental Engineering
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Fisica Tecnica - Ingegneria Civile; Fisica Tecnica - Ingegneria per l'Ambiente e il Territorio
The course is structured in two parts: the first focuses on the fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics and the analysis of moist air processes, while the second explores heat and mass transfer mechanisms. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics to evaluate system performance, analyze power cycles, and assess moist air processes relevant to air conditioning and condensation in buildings. Additionally, they will develop skills to formulate and solve heat and mass transfer problems, including transient and multi-dimensional cases, potentially using numerical methods.
Holder: Alessandro Prada
Assistant: Maja Danovska
Degree Course: Integrated Master's Degree in Construction Engineering and Architecture
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Fisica Tecnica
The course aims to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in energy transformations, heat transfer, and applied acoustics, essential for understanding building physics and assessing energy performance. Students will learn to apply energy conservation principles, solve one-dimensional steady-state heat transfer problems, and calculate the overall heat transfer coefficient for simple geometries. Additionally, they will develop the ability to analyze multi-dimensional heat transmission, including thermal bridges in transient conditions, and assess moist air processes relevant to HVAC systems and condensation phenomena in buildings, potentially using numerical methods.
Holder: Maurizio Grigiante
Degree Course: Bachelor in Industrial Engineering
Department: Industrial Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Fondamenti di Termodinamica e Trasmissione del Calore
The course aims to analyze both closed and open thermodynamic systems, with a particular focus on mass and energy balances. The primary goal is to familiarize students with engineering sciences such as thermodynamics and heat transfer, helping them understand and process fundamental concepts, develop a systematic problem-solving approach, and recognize the importance of numerical calculations and the accuracy of significant figures. More broadly, the course focuses on analyzing traditional and innovative systems for thermal and mechanical energy production, generation, and management, including emerging scenarios like electric motors and the use of renewable energy sources.
Holder: Vittoria Benedetti
Professor: Alessandro Prada
Degree Course: Master in Civil Engineering
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Impianti di Climatizzazione
The course provides fundamental knowledge for the thermal design of building envelopes, the design of thermotechnical systems, and their integration with renewable energy sources. It equips civil and building engineers with the skills to engage in the design process and independently develop solutions for simple buildings.
Holder: Vittoria Benedetti
Professor: Alessandro Prada
Assistant: Ambra Barbini
Degree Course: Master in Civil Engineering
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: Italian
Link Syllabus: Impianti di Climatizzazione con Laboratorio
The course equips civil engineers with fundamental knowledge in thermal design, thermotechnical systems, and renewable energy integration. It prepares them to actively participate in the design process or independently develop solutions for simple buildings.
Holder: Vincenzo Trovato
Degree Course: Master in Energy Engineering
Department: Environmental, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Trento
Course Language: English
Link Syllabus: Smart Grids
By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of modern electrical systems and smart grids from both a technical and economic perspective. They will be able to analyze the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into future low-inertia power systems and assess their impact. Students will also develop proficiency in optimization principles and computational tools such as Julia, a Python-based programming language. Additionally, they will gain insight into current and future energy scenarios, including the energy quadrilemma (affordability, security, decarbonization, and social aspects). They will learn to compare different technologies and solutions based on multiple technical and economic factors. Through MATLAB and Simulink, students will acquire hands-on experience in evaluating power system security and management in high-renewable penetration scenarios.