Projects and seminars: Finding practical solutions for the energy turnaround
The new P&S course "Erneuerbare Energien und Netto-Null-Emissions-Ziel in der Schweiz" was taught for the first time by Prof. Christian Franck and Prof. Gabriela Hug. In this course the students dealt with different topics concerning the energy turnaround in Switzerland. Of 60 students who applied, only 24 were able to participate, so the second edition of the course will follow next semester.
The topic of energy is more urgent than ever: climate change, security of supply, petrol prices, winter electricity shortfall, energy strategy. But what can and should society do? Is it right to switch to electric cars? And where does the electricity we need come from? Wouldn't hydrogen-powered cars be much better? And if so, with internal combustion engines or with fuel cells? How much area has to be be covered with solar cells in Switzerland to generate enough green electricity when the nuclear power plants are switched off?
The list of questions is long and the answers are more complex than one might think.
“The role of electric energy will be central in the future energy system. For this reason, it is important that students learn early on to find solutions to real-life problems. This new P&S course is the ideal place to do this”Prof. Christian Franck
In this course, the students dealt with various topics relating to necessary "energy turnaround" in Switzerland. In groups, they each worked on their own project and answered an independently chosen question. This gave them the opportunity to experiment as well as to carry out estimative calculations. At the end of the P&S, the individual groups presented the findings of their investigations and summarised them in a report.
This seminar took place for the first time, under the direction of Profs. Gabriela Hug and Christian Franck from the Institute for Power Systems & High Voltage Technology. A total of 60 students applied, but only 24 were able to participate. The seminar series will be repeated next semester.
Emir, Aryush and Hannah presented their findings on the influence of cold on the performance of lithium batteries.
During and after the presentations there was time for short discussions.
The Laboratory Courses, Projects and Seminars (P&S) at D-ITET are offered in various formats to ensure the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills. In addition, the methodology of project work is taught, and students gain hands-on experience with independent experimentation and design as well as explorative learning.