Energy Engineer Course

Lesson 1 • Fluid Mechanics for Energy Systems

Covers fluid properties, flow regimes, and the Bernoulli equation. Supports analysis of pumps, fans, and piping networks in energy applications.

Lesson 2 • Heat Transfer Fundamentals

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation mechanisms. Connects heat transfer theory to real equipment sizing and insulation decisions.

Lesson 3 • Thermodynamic Principles

Introduces the laws of thermodynamics and their engineering implications. Provides the physical framework for analyzing all energy conversion systems.

Lesson 4 • Energy Data and Measurement

Introduces metering technologies, data logging, and uncertainty analysis. Accurate measurement underpins all subsequent energy auditing and modeling work.

Lesson 1 • Fossil Fuel Energy Systems

Examines coal, natural gas, and petroleum combustion processes and power cycles. Establishes baseline performance metrics used for comparison with cleaner alternatives.

Lesson 2 • Nuclear Energy Fundamentals

Covers fission reactions, reactor types, and the nuclear fuel cycle. Provides context for evaluating nuclear as a low-carbon baseload option.

Lesson 3 • Biomass, Geothermal, and Emerging Sources

Reviews bioenergy conversion pathways, geothermal gradients, and emerging technologies such as tidal and wave energy. Broadens the student's source portfolio knowledge.

Lesson 4 • Wind and Hydropower Systems

Analyzes wind turbine aerodynamics, hydro turbine types, and resource assessment methods. Builds capacity to evaluate site suitability for both technologies.

Lesson 1 • AC and DC Circuit Analysis

Covers Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and phasor analysis for AC circuits. Provides the electrical theory foundation for all power system topics.

Lesson 2 • Transformers and Rotating Machines

Explains transformer operation, motor types, and generator principles. Links electrical machine theory to energy conversion efficiency analysis.

Lesson 3 • Transmission and Distribution Networks

Covers grid topology, load flow concepts, and protection systems. Connects generation sources to end-use loads through network analysis.

Lesson 4 • Power Quality and Reliability

Addresses harmonics, voltage sags, power factor, and reliability indices. Equips students to diagnose power quality issues and recommend corrections.

Lesson 1 • Load Profiling and Demand Management

Teaches interval data analysis, load shape characterization, and peak demand strategies. Links demand patterns to utility tariff structures and cost reduction.

Lesson 2 • Savings Calculation and Verification

Introduces measurement and verification protocols and baseline adjustment methods. Ensures that reported energy savings are defensible and accurate.

Lesson 3 • Energy Audit Methodology

Defines audit levels, data collection protocols, and reporting standards. Establishes the structured process that guides all subsequent audit fieldwork.

Lesson 4 • Industrial Process Energy Analysis

Covers compressed air, steam, motors, and process heating energy use. Enables identification of efficiency measures in manufacturing environments.

Lesson 1 • Building Envelope Retrofits

Covers insulation upgrades, window replacement, and air sealing strategies. Directly reduces heating and cooling loads identified in the audit chapter.

Lesson 2 • Lighting and Plug Load Reduction

Addresses LED retrofits, daylighting controls, and plug load management programs. Provides quick-payback measures applicable to nearly all facility types.

Lesson 3 • HVAC Efficiency Measures

Examines high-efficiency equipment, controls optimization, and economizer strategies. Targets the largest energy end use in most commercial buildings.

Lesson 4 • Waste Heat Recovery Systems

Introduces heat exchangers, economizers, and organic Rankine cycle systems for waste heat. Enables recovery of thermal energy that would otherwise be lost.

Lesson 1 • Renewable Energy Modeling Tools

Introduces simulation platforms for renewable system performance and optimization. Validates designs before procurement and construction.

Lesson 2 • Hybrid and Off-Grid System Design

Designs systems combining solar, wind, diesel, and storage for remote or islanded applications. Addresses reliability and fuel displacement in off-grid contexts.

Lesson 3 • Wind System Design and Siting

Addresses turbine selection, micrositing, wake effects, and grid interconnection. Connects wind resource data to turbine performance and energy yield.

Lesson 4 • Energy Storage Technologies

Compares battery chemistries, pumped hydro, and thermal storage for grid and behind-the-meter applications. Enables storage sizing for reliability and arbitrage.

Lesson 1 • Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis

Teaches LCOE calculation for generation technologies and sensitivity to key assumptions. Enables technology comparison on a consistent cost-per-unit-energy basis.

Lesson 2 • Time Value of Money and Cash Flows

Covers discounting, net present value, and internal rate of return for energy investments. Provides the financial mathematics underlying all project evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment and Portfolio Prioritization

Introduces risk identification, Monte Carlo simulation, and portfolio ranking methods. Enables defensible prioritization of competing energy investment opportunities.

Lesson 4 • Project Financing Structures

Covers debt, equity, power purchase agreements, and leasing models for energy projects. Connects financing structure to project economics and risk allocation.

Lesson 1 • Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

Covers sustainability reporting frameworks, investor disclosure, and internal communication strategies. Ensures energy strategy gains organizational and external credibility.

Lesson 2 • Decarbonization Levers and Roadmaps

Identifies electrification, fuel switching, efficiency, and renewable procurement as key levers. Translates targets into phased, actionable roadmaps.

Lesson 3 • Greenhouse Gas Accounting

Covers Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions inventories, emission factors, and reporting protocols. Establishes the carbon baseline required for any decarbonization strategy.

Lesson 4 • Science-Based Targets and Net Zero

Explains target-setting frameworks, carbon budgets, and net-zero pathway requirements. Aligns organizational goals with global climate commitments.