Thermodynamics, Exergy, and Life Cycle Thinking in Designing Net-Zero Energy Systems

To equip participants with the knowledge and tools to design net-zero energy systems by integrating thermodynamics, exergy analysis, life cycle thinking, and techno-economic evaluation for optimized sustainability.

• Apply fundamental thermodynamics and exergy analysis to improve energy conversion efficiency.

• Use exergy analysis to identify inefficiencies and optimization opportunities in energy systems.

• Understand Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental impact of energy systems.

• Integrate exergy analysis with LCA for holistic system design.

• Perform techno-economic analyses of net-zero energy systems to balance energy, cost, and environmental performance.

• Optimize net-zero energy systems using Python or optimization tools.

📅 Day 1 — Thermodynamics and Exergy Analysis in Sustainable Systems

• Theory:
• Fundamental thermodynamic principles for sustainable energy and process systems
• Introduction to exergy analysis and its role in identifying inefficiencies in energy systems
• Application of exergy analysis for system optimization and improving energy conversion efficiency
• Hands-on:
• Perform a basic exergy analysis on a hypothetical process system to identify energy losses and optimization opportunities
• Deliverable: Exergy analysis report highlighting inefficiencies and potential improvements in energy systems

📅 Day 2 — Life Cycle Thinking (LCA) and Environmental Impact Assessment

• Theory:
• Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): methodology, stages, and tools
• Evaluating the environmental impacts of energy systems over their life cycle: from raw materials to disposal
• Link between LCA and exergy analysis in the design of sustainable systems
• Hands-on:
• Use LCA software or a Python-based tool to perform a basic life cycle assessment of a renewable energy system (e.g., solar or wind)
• Deliverable: LCA report with environmental impact assessments and optimization suggestions

📅 Day 3 — Techno-Economics and Optimization of Net-Zero Systems

• Theory:
• Techno-economic analysis: integrating technical performance and economic feasibility
• Cost-benefit analysis of sustainable systems: considering both environmental and financial impacts
• Strategies for designing net-zero energy systems by balancing energy generation and consumption
• Hands-on:
• Develop a techno-economic model for a net-zero energy system using Python or an optimization tool to assess costs, efficiency, and environmental impact
• Deliverable: Techno-economic model with a cost analysis and optimized recommendations for a net-zero energy system

• Students, researchers, and professionals in Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or related fields.

• Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and energy systems is recommended but not required.

• No prior experience with LCA or exergy analysis tools needed (guidance will be provided).

• Conduct exergy analysis to identify and address inefficiencies in energy systems.

• Generate an exergy analysis report with recommendations for system optimization.

• Perform a life cycle assessment of renewable energy systems using LCA software or Python tools.

• Develop a techno-economic model to evaluate the costs, efficiency, and environmental impact of net-zero systems.

• Provide optimized recommendations for designing and implementing net-zero energy systems.