ROYAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Distance Master Program

Sustainable Energy
Engineering
(DSEE)

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF Majors:

TECHNOLOGY
• Sustainable Power
Department of Energy Technology Generation
Brinellvägen 68
• Sustainable Energy
10044 Stockholm—Sweden
Utilization in the
Phone: +46 8 790 747 2 Built Environment
Fax: +46 8 20 41 61
E-mail: marianne.salomon@energy.kth.se

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Distant Master Program in Sustainable Energy Engineering -
DSEE
Since 1997 the Department of Energy Technology has offered the
Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) MSc Program to over 200
students from around 50 different countries. Since the academic
year 2004-2005 the department offered a distant version of the
Sustainable Energy Engineering Program – DSEE. This is a complete
e-learning program that is held in parallel to the regular SEE
Program.
The purpose of the SEE and the DSEE Program is to provide state-
of-the-art education in the fields of power generation and energy
utilization in the built environment by means of economically and environmentally sustainable
systems and technologies. The term sustainable energy engineering comprises a wide array of
practices, policies and technologies (conventional and renewable/alternative) aimed at providing
energy at the least financial, environmental and social cost. A strong emphasis is placed on dealing
with energy engineering tasks with due consideration of technical, environmental and socio-
economic issues. Advanced methods are applied to identify, describe, quantify and find solutions
to a diverse range of energy engineering problems.
The program has a total duration of nine months taught courses (=40 Swedish Academic Credits,
SAC - 1 SAC is equivalent to 1.5 ECTS) followed by an average five to six months of thesis
project work (20 SAC or 30 ECTS). The program is open to applicants from all over the world,
and is offered free of charge. The program language is English.
The DSEE Program is a parallel alternative allowing students to participate in the regular SEE
Program at a distance. All mandatory courses are offered on-line and lectures can be followed
either synchronously or asynchronously. Certain exercises (laboratories, study visits) are arranged
on an individual basis.
Successful completion of the DSEE Program results in the award of the degree of “Master of
Science with Specialization in Sustainable Energy Engineering”, with special mention “Distant
Education” on the diploma and official transcripts.
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DSEE Organizational Aspects
In contrast with on-campus studies, participation in a distant program requires several
additional aspects to be considered. Among the most relevant aspects for the DSEE
Program are:
Host Facility
It is critical that DSEE students have access to local resources ( laboratory facilities,
etc) in order to ensure success. Students are encouraged to identify a host university
or industry who will be responsible for providing these basic services. Other duties of
the host will be established on a case-by-case basis. Students must have access to com-
puter resources and internet connection either at the host facility or on their own.
Interview
An interview will be carried out before the fall semester starts using the software for
distant lectures in order to verify the reliability and availability of the communicational
platform, to answer questions that might arise before the first semester starts, and to
follow up on the identification process required for the exams. For this interview a
web camera and a headset will be required on the student’s side.
Lectures
The lectures will be performed using Centra when required. Participation either during
the lecture or immediately afterwards will be compulsory. All course material will be
available electronically from the different course homepages.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the courses normally includes an exam, project, quizzes and/or as-
signments.
• Exams are performed with the help of the staff at the host facility or at the
Swedish embassy (prior agreement with the program administration).
• Group projects will be carried out in cooperation with other colleagues as
close as possible to your time zone. The communication platform, Centra, and
the discussion forum for each course will be available to foster group discus-
sions. Projects will have a pre-established deadline that must be followed.
• Home assignments will be given in several courses as part of the evaluation.
The assignments must be submitted according to the deadline set by the in-
structor.
• Lab exercises will be performed as remote labs or a suitable equivalent activity
will be specified by the course instructor.
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Program Outline
engineering, applied physics, and areas of electrical/chemical engineering relevant to
power generation/distribution, and/or energy utilization. Applicants shall hold Bachelor
of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees in relevant disciplines - or The course programs for the two study majors Sustainable Power Generation and Sustainable
documented equivalents thereof. Equivalency will be evaluated at the discretion of the Energy Utilization in the Built Environment include a number of common courses, (see diagram).
Program Administration, based on academic achievements and profile, as well as • Students choosing to enroll in Sustainable Power Generation attend the advanced courses
pertinent professional experience. It is imperative that applicants have a sound Applied Heat and Power Technology as well as Advanced Renewable Energy Technology or
knowledge of basic engineering sciences, including engineering thermodynamics, heat Applied Reactor Technology and Nuclear Power Safety, and carry out a thesis project
transfer, fluid dynamics, mathematics and numerical methods. Professional experience relevant to that major.
in related fields will be considered as a merit. A sound and documented knowledge of • Students opting to enroll in Sustainable Energy Utilization in the Built Environment attend
written and spoken English (equivalent to a minimum TOEFL-score of 575) is required the advanced courses Thermal Comfort and Indoor Climate, as well as Applied
from all applicants. Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology , and subsequently work on a thesis project
dealing with a task relevant to that major.
Program Duration
The taught portion of the program consists of two terms. The Fall Term starts in the
beginning of September (most commonly on the second Monday in September) and
finishes in the third week in December, followed by ca. three weeks of Winter Recess.
The Spring Term starts in mid-January and finishes around the end of May. Specific
starting and finishing dates vary slightly from year to year. A Spring Recess of about
three weeks is scheduled during March/April.
After successful fulfillment of all course requirements, students are assigned a thesis
project on which they typically work during a subsequent period of about 5-6 months,
see also the section Thesis Project.
Application Procedure
Applications for all Master degree programs at KTH are handled centrally by the
Admissions Office and are web-based. In short, the application is divided into two
parts. Part 1 covers general information such as name, address, Master degree program
(s) sought, and degrees earned to date. Part 2 contains information specific to the SEE
Program. Other key information and documents that are required include the
following: (1) curriculum vitae covering academic achievements and work experience,
along with possible publications and awards; (2) certified copy of university transcript
listing all courses and grades achieved; (3) two letters of recommendation (see General Energy Engineering Courses
template); (4) proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or similar).
Introduction to Energy Technology, 2 credits
Application Deadline This course aims at providing an introduction to and overview of the broad field of energy
Completed applications should be submitted by 15 May of the preceding academic technology. A condensed cross-section of essential engineering concepts/principles from the domain
year. The mailing address for completed applications is listed in the program’s of thermodynamics and heat transfer is provided, including a review of the concepts of energy and
homepage. Further information about the program and hard copies of application power, energy conversion, energy efficiency, reversible and irreversible processes, and basic
forms (if internet access is not available) can be obtained from the Program thermodynamic cycles. An overview of global energy resources is given, leading to a historic review
of human energy use and power generation. Society’s energy demands and the pertinent energy
Administration. flows are analyzed from the perspective of different sectors, including industry, households,
transport, agriculture, as well as the commercial and public sectors.

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Sustainable Power Generation, 6 credits Thesis Project

The objective of this course is to dis- After completing all course work, every student is assigned a thesis project on which
cuss energy-efficient and environmen- he/she typically works over a period of 5-6 months (20 credits). Provided that a thesis
tally compatible power generation sys- project deals with a clearly defined topic from the domain of sustainable energy engi-
tems. The introductory section includes neering, and under the condition that competent guidance/supervision is available to
an overview of heat and power tech- the student throughout the thesis project period, the project may be carried out either
nologies, followed by an analysis of the in an academic environment (university, research institute, or equivalent) or in an in-
most significant heat and power genera- dustrial setting (power plant, energy consulting agency, or other industry/business).
tion technologies, including those based While suitable thesis project topics may be proposed and assigned by program lectur-
on steam and gas turbine cycles, as well ers, or by specialists from related industries/businesses, students are encouraged to
as combined steam and gas cycles. The define relevant projects on their own, and to seek environments in which these can be
course further provides a general over- carried out successfully.’
view of non-combustion-based
(renewable) power generation technologies, including those based on the exploitation
of wind, hydro, solar and geothermal resources. (A more detailed discourse of renew- The thesis project is conducted under the guidance of an advisor from within the pro-
able energy technologies is provided in the course Renewable Energy Technology.) gram, and the assistance of local/external advisors. Students are expected to keep their
Topics in nuclear reactor technology and nuclear power safety are considered, focusing advisors regularly updated on the progress of their project work, and need to submit
on the properties and performance of boiling and pressurized water reactors. progress reports at different stages of their work. The purpose of thesis projects is for
Sustainable Energy Utilization, 6 credits the students to elaborate sustainable solutions to specific energy engineering problems,
The purpose of this course is to discuss the energy utilization in society in light of what preferably relevant to the conditions and requirements in the students' home coun-
is considered as (environmentally, and otherwise) sustainable practice, with special tries. Thesis projects should thus preferably be carried out there. Under specific cir-
focus on technologies used for satisfying a broad range of cooling demands, as well as cumstances, projects may be carried out elsewhere by special agreement with the pro-
technologies used for space-conditioning (heating/cooling, ventilating) in the built envi- gram administration.
ronment. The portion of the course dealing with refrigeration and heat pump technol-
ogy emphasizes compressor-driven refrigeration plants and heat pumps, air separation,
absorption cooling devices, as well as refrigeration and storage of frozen products. The Upon completion of their thesis projects, students are expected to formally present
second part of the course deals with the function, properties and operation of compo- the results of their efforts within the framework of a seminar and respond to com-
nents and systems used for efficiently providing comfortable indoor environments for ments/questions put forward by a committee consisting of their thesis advisors and
occupants, and suitable conditions for processes, with particular focus on heating and invited referees. These presentations may either be carried out at KTH, or - if this is
ventilation systems, energy management and conservation, thermal comfort and indoor more convenient to all involved parties, and then upon special agreement - at other
air quality. suitable locations, e.g. in the countries where the projects were carried out. Upon
successful completion and presentation/defense of their project work, students are
Renewable Energy Technology, 4 credits awarded by KTH the Degree of Master of Science with Specialization in Sustainable
The purpose of this course is to provide a
survey of the most important renewable en- Energy Engineering.
ergy resources and the technologies for har-
nessing these within the framework of a broad
range of simple to state-of-the-art advanced FORMALIA
Eligibility
energy systems. The course discusses the use
Applicants interested in being considered for admission need to have academic back-
of solar (thermal and photovoltaic), hydro-
grounds in disciplines/professions relevant to the study major of interest, and are re-
electric, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal,
quired to substantiate their keen interest in continuing their careers in areas relevant
wave, tidal and geothermal energy, as well as
to sustainable energy engineering. Suitable academic backgrounds include mechanical

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Energy Management, 4 credits energy from biomass. The use of fuel-cell and heat pump systems is dealt with. Issues
This course provides training in forecasting and developing the strategies and settings relevant to energy efficiency and energy storage are discussed. The potential of using
required for managing and promoting the advancement and use of economically and renewable energy technologies as a complement to, and, to the extent possible,
environmentally sustainable energy systems and technologies. Issues discussed include replacement for conventional technologies, and the possibility of combining renewable
energy system analysis, methods for evaluating system efficiency (energy and pinch and nonrenewable energy technologies in hybrid systems are analyzed. Strategies for
analysis, as well as static and dynamic energy balances, life-cycle analysis), energy enhancing the future use of renewable energy resources are presented.
economics (investment analysis, life-cycle cost, choice of technology as related to pay-
off requirements), use of information technology in energy engineering and strategies
for introducing and disseminating emerging technologies. The course is based on the Advanced Courses
analysis and discussion of a series of relevant case studies. Issues discussed include
power distribution technologies, energy technology development strategies, project Thermal Comfort and Indoor Climate, 4
management, as well as related social and international aspects. credits
The objective of this course is to provide
a thorough understanding of how
Additional courses ventilation and heating affect thermal
Additional courses listed below (more information at www.energy.kth.se) can be comfort and air quality indoors, and how
followed upon discussion with the instructor and the DSEE Program Director. this, in turn, reflects on energy
• Advanced topics in Heat and Power management in the built environment.
Thermal comfort and space-conditioning
Engineering, 2-10 credits
are analyzed against the background of
• Aerolasticity in Turbomachine human physiological requirements.
Cascades, 5-10 credits Different methods for evaluating thermal
• Air Breathing Propulsion, Intermediate comfort and indoor climate are presented
course, 4 credits as applicable in different indoor environments (industries, offices, dwellings, etc.).
• Airbreathing Propulsion for High Factors affecting air quality are analyzed. Gaseous and particulate indoor air pollutants
Speed Flight, 4 credits are discussed with regard to acceptable concentrations, health effects and existing
regulations/standards. The influence of building materials on indoor air quality is dealt
• Combustion Theory, 4 credits
with. Ventilation demand and ventilation effectiveness are discussed as determined by
• Educational aspects in Energy requirements of pollutant and heat removal in different indoor environments. Methods
Technology I, 10 credits for estimating/calculating the energy flows required for achieving specific levels of
• Educational aspects in Energy Technology II, 5-10 credits thermal comfort and air quality are analyzed as relevant to energy management in the
• Fluid Machinery, 4 credits built environment.
• Introductory Airbreathing Propulsion, 4 credits Applied Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology, 4 credits
• Measurement Techniques I, 2 credits This course aims at providing advanced proficiency in dealing with complex tasks within
the area of refrigeration and heat pump technology, as well as problems within related
• Measurement Techniques II (self study), 5-10 credits branches of energy technology. A wide array of different refrigeration processes,
• Measurement Techniques III, 2 credits refrigeration machinery and plant design are dealt with in online lectures and seminars.
• Numerical Methods in Energy Technology, 4 credits The present status concerning the development of new refrigerants, as well as
advanced refrigeration processes are discussed. Methodologies used in computing
• Rocket Propulsion, 4 credits
cooling demand, as well as in optimizing insulation thickness and different mechanical
• Steam plants and Thermodynamics, 5 credits components are analyzed. Design and optimization of heat pump plants, including heat
• Thermal Turbo Machinery, 4 credits sources for such plants are considered in detail. Mobile refrigeration and

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airconditioning systems, sorption processes, low-temperature processes, and air sepa-
ration processes are covered. Testing methods and safety standards for refrigeration
systems are discussed in the classroom and within the framework of laboratory exer-
cises. The course also includes study visits and seminars given by industry experts.
Applied Heat and Power Technology, 4 credits
This course aims at providing in-depth proficiency in a broad array of heat and power
technologies, including a detailed discussion of relevant power plant components, as
well as typical applications in industry and heat generation. Plant components including
gas turbines, steam turbines and condensers are treated in detail. Measurement tech-
niques used in thermal systems
are analyzed. State-of-the-art
heat and power technology is
dealt with as relevant to both
industrial and district heating
applications. Different types of
power plants are presented in
detail, including combined cycle
plants, where a variety of differ-
ent technologies can be applied.
The performance of different
types of cycles is discussed, in-
cluding the performance of a
variety of novel cycles.
Applied Reactor Engineering and Nuclear Power Safety, 4 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide in-depth knowledge in reactor technology and
basic proficiency in reactor safety. The essential differences between ”thermal” and
”fast” reactors are discussed against the background of the advantages and shortcom-
ings of different types of reactors. The concept of moderation in thermal reactors, and
the choice of appropriate moderator materials are discussed. The influence on core
construction of moderator material choice is analyzed. A number of important prob-
lems within the domain of reactor physics are discussed, including essential methodolo-
gies for computing core-physical processes. The theory of subcritical cores is dealt
with, leading to a discussion of neutron kinetics for reactor cores in operation.
”Internal fuel cycles” are dealt with, as relevant to both fast and thermal reactors. The
”external fuel cycle” is dealt with, starting with mining, and followed by the purification
of uranium concentrate and subsequent conversion to hexafluoride. Enrichment proc-
esses and fuel production are dealt with, including different possibilities for treating
spent fuel.
Applied Renewable Energy Technology, 4 credits
This course is a continuation of the renewable energy technology basic course and
discusses in more detail two of the major renewable energy players in the energy field:
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wind energy and biomass. Both renewable resources have attracted interest in this
time period where energy supply and climate change are of special concern. The
importance of wind turbine as a commercial technology in the future and its role in the
reduction of greenhouse emissions has been clearly identified by different governments.
On the other hand, biomass-based fuels have attracted much interest due to their
plentiful supply and favorable environmental characteristics (if properly managed). The
effective capture and continued sustainability of this renewable resource requires a
new generation of biomass power plants with high fuel energy conversion.
Applied Energy Technology – Project Course, 6 credits
The aim of this course is to provide to the program participants an opportunity for
specializing in an area of energy engineering of particular interest by taking part in a
project carried out in close cooperation with the industry. The project typically deals
with a specific real-life situation in which sustainable energy solutions are to be applied.
The project is generally carried out on a task within the domain of the chosen study
major (SEU or SPG). The knowledge/information required for dealing with the specific
task is acquired by complementary lectures and literature studies. Project group
presentations are held in seminar format at mid-term and final phases.
Energy and Environment, 4 credits
This course aims at giving an overview of
the effects of power generation and energy
utilization on ecology and climate.
Sustainability issues, as well as the concepts
of life-cycle analysis, material flow analysis
and environmental impact assessment are
discussed. An overview of the global energy
situation is given, and possible scenarios for
future development are analyzed. Issues
discussed include the effects on the
environment of burning fossil fuels and
waste materials. The ecological impact of
emissions, and the transport of pollutants in air, water and ground are dealt with. The
utilization of nuclear power is discussed against the background of the potential
hazards associated with the handling, transport and storage of nuclear waste.
Renewable energy technologies are discussed as alternatives to conventional (non-
renewable) technologies, with a focus on their environmental impact. Historical,
cultural and socio-economic issues are dealt with, along with aspects relevant to energy
policy, environmental management and economics. A study visit to an environmentally
compatible power generation plant/complex is arranged. A number of case studies and
projects are elaborated on in group work. The course is given in cooperation with
specialists from a wide array of related fields.
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