Sustainable Energy Technologies and Systems (Bachelor)

Humanity is facing a major challenge to its energy supply: In order to protect the climate, all of the fossil fuels in current usage need to be replaced by renewable energy sources. This affects not only the power industry, but also the heating, transportation, and industrial sectors. To enable this transition to occur without adverse effects, the power systems technologies degree program deals with the entire system – before, during, and after its transformation. The program focuses not only on new technologies, but also on efficiency enhancement and sector coupling. Building on a foundation of engineering knowledge, students examine specific aspects and problems of the shift to renewable energies through more advanced courses.

The transformation of the energy system touches every area of life, which means that graduates of this program can find a broad range of job opportunities, from small start-ups to global companies. Traditional power supply companies such as plant operators, energy suppliers, grid operators, and municipal utilities seek engineers with broad-based knowledge and an understanding of the system as a whole, as do industrial firms that need to restructure their energy supply. Graduates of this program have additional opportunities with producers of new technologies for energy generation, distribution, storage, conversion, and use, especially in the area of system design and integration. Design and engineering firms also have a future need for broadly trained engineers, as do the associations and public bodies that are managing and regulating energy reforms in every area.

Possible fields:

• Operators of energy generation and storage facilities
• Manufacturers of, for example, wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, converter systems, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and electric vehicles
• Design and engineering firms
• Energy suppliers
• Grid operators
• Associations and public bodies
• Energy consulting agencies
• Universities and research institutions

The Sustainable Energy Systems research focus area at TU Clausthal, which studies secure energy supply on the basis of renewable sources, is dedicated to the transformation of the energy system. The power systems technologies degree program provides a foundation for such research, teaching students about both the current thermal power generation that will continue to play a role in the future and the new energy system. This foundation is also reflected in research projects in which students do interdisciplinary work on new business models and the transition to the new energy system. Ties to research and industry ensure students gain a good insight into real-world applications. On top of this, a mentoring program and close contact with staff create a highly supportive environment for students during the program.

The program begins by imparting foundational knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering in the first two semesters. This provides the basis for the study of electrical, mechanical, and thermodynamic power technologies in the following three semesters. The students gain familiarity with conventional power plants, electrical machinery, the operation of the electrical energy supply, and the relevant legal and economic principles. The curriculum is enhanced through electives that enable students to choose their own focus areas through more advanced lectures and laboratory classes. The program concludes with an industrial placement and a bachelor’s thesis that the students complete as a piece of independent academic work.

Focus

• Mathematics for engineering
• Applied mechanics
• Foundations of electrical engineering
• Technical thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Instrumentation
• Electrical power engineering and power generation
• Energy conversion machinery
• Introduction to business administration and law
• Industrial placement
• Bachelor’s thesis

In the industrial placement, students participate in the working environment of engineers in leadership, development, and other roles. This placement aims to provide professional orientation and give students practical experience.