Energy Engineering (Aalborg)
Would you like to contribute to making energy environmentally friendly? To supply the world with energy in new ways? Ensure sustainable and cost-effective energy?
The problems lie in the future, but the solutions must be found now!
At Aalborg University, we offer a study programme in Energy targeted at the demands and challenges which the future poses. The programme is founded on research-based teaching and problem-based project-organised learning. As a guest student, you will contribute to maintaining and strengthening a healthy environment. The Department of Energy Technology conducts research on alternative and environmentally friendly energy sources as well as on savings on energy consumption and optimisation of energy systems in all aspects. 
The 1st to 4th semester of the programme is taught in Danish. However, if you are a guest or exchange student on the BSc level, we offer a study programme in Energy of one or two semesters (5th and 6th semester) in Electrical Energy, Thermal Energy and Mechatronic Control Engineering.
Specialisations
On the 5th and/or 6th semester, you choose a specialisation in one of the following areas:
The teaching is carried out in English, and hence, many international students study here. Therefore, aside from strong academic skills, you will also build a strong international profile within your area.
Click for details of projects and courses for Energy Engineering 5th and 6th semester.
See specialisations in the following.
Electrical Energy Engineering
Study Motivation
Knowledge of Electrical Energy is important for modern society to function well
Renewable power production and new energy saving apparatus are undergoing a fast development process to deal with environmental issues like global warming
The need for non polluting energy systems like wind power and the use of electric cars for transportation, in order to reduce CO2 emissions and create a cleaner environment.
There is a need for Electrical Energy engineers experienced in:
- Environmentally friendly energy production and consumption
- Exploiting renewable energy sources like wind, solar and wave energy
- Developing energy-efficient systems and products for various applications
- Maintaining Denmark’s leading position within the area of energy.
Read more about the 5th and 6th semesters in the study curriculum.
The Content of the Study
5th Semester: Design of Power Electronic Apparatus
The purpose of this semester is to solve problems concerning design and control of power electronic apparatus. Control strategies are to be implemented using microcontrollers, DSPs or similar. The electrical interaction between the converter and the integrating systems is to be analysed. Testing of the studied equipment and control in the laboratory is encouraged.
Project examples:
- Digital audio amplifier
- Reactive power control using a power converter
- Electro-Magnetic Interference reduction with a pacemaker
- Harmonic interaction between a converter and an electrical machine
- DC power supply with galvanic isolation.
6th Semester: BSc Project: Transmission and Conversion of Energy in Electrical Machines and Power Systems
The objective of this semester is the study of an electrical machine connected to a distribution grid. Both interconnected and isolated networks are to be considered. The machine can function either in motoring or generating mode. The power electronics associated with the electric drive may also be included in the project. The primary focus is the steady-state analysis of the drive. Partial or complete dimensioning of the system may be needed in order to construct a realistic simulation model and test the proposed solutions. The aim is to gain a deeper knowledge about the different parts of the system and the overall functioning. The proposed solution is to be tested in the laboratory to validate the theoretical results.
Project examples:
- Influence of grid connected wind generators on the power quality
- Performance evaluation of induction machine
- Maximum Power Point Tracking for low voltage grid connected to photovoltaic cells. Methods of increasing the penetration of solar energy generation in the grid
- DC grid for renewable energy sources
Master of Science (MSc) Specialisations
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme in Energy with specialisation in Electrical Energy or similar gives access to the following MSc specialisations in Energy Engineering (Aalborg):
- Power Electronics and Drives
- Electrical Power Systems and High Voltage Engineering
- Wind Power Systems.
Other specialisations offered by Aalborg University, suitable for the BSc graduates who studied on the Energy programme with specialisation in Electrical Energy:
- Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning
- Sustainable Energy Planning and Management
- Intelligent Autonomous Systems.
See the homepage for MSc programmes.
Career Opportunities
The primary purpose of the BSc programme in Energy is to provide the necessary background to continue on one of the MSc specialisations offered.
Professional competence in planning, production, distribution and consumption of electrical, thermal and mechanical energy, together with control of energy systems, are gained through the BSc in the Electrical Energy Engineering programme.
The gained knowledge enables the graduates to work in design, consulting, development, and research in Danish and international industries or public institutions.
Examples of possible employers:
- Energy supply companies,
- Wind-, machine-, or process industry
- Electro technical industry
- Counselling companies
Continuing on a MSc programme would increase the possibility of obtaining a good engineering position.
Integration of wind power in the network grid, fuel cell systems, power electronic units, cabling of the power system, and energy optimisation of apparatus and systems are only a few points of interest of today’s society that requires qualified Energy engineers.
Thermal Energy Engineering
Study Motivation
Thermal Energy is necessary for modern society to function well
Renewable power production and new energy saving apparatus are undergoing a fast development process to deal with environmental issues like global warming
The need for new energy sources like wind power, bio-energy and fuel cell systems.
There is a need for Thermal Energy engineers experienced in:
- Environmentally friendly energy production and consumption
- Exploiting renewable energy sources like wind, solar and wave energy
- Developing energy-efficient systems and products for various applications
- Maintaining Denmark’s leading position within the area of energy.
Read more about the 5th and 6th semesters in the study curriculum.
The Content of the Study
5th Semester: Design of Energy Systems
The objective of this semester is to design and simulate thermo mechanical energy systems. The steady state model is to be studied and possibly verified by experiments or data for existing systems.
Project examples:
- Modelling and optimisation of a complex ventilation or pump system
- Analysis, modelling, and optimisation of a combined heat and power plant
- Utilisation of the exhaust gas from ships
- Modelling and optimisation of a hydrogen system.
6th Semester: Thermo Mechanical Energy Systems
The objective of this semester is to provide knowledge about the construction of flow machines and components used in thermal energy systems. As a result of overall analysis, limitations due to the dynamic interactions on these systems are to be outlined. Environmental issues in relation to the thermal systems are to be considered.
Project examples:
- Design of a vertical axis wind turbine
Master of Science (MSc) Specialisations
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme in Energy Engineering with specialisation in Thermal Energy or similar gives access to the following MSc specialisations in Energy Engineering (Aalborg) and Sustainable Energy Engineering (Esbjerg):
- Thermal Energy and Process Engineering (Aalborg)
- Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology (Aalborg)
- Combustion Technology (Esbjerg).
Other specialisations offered by Aalborg University, suitable for the BSc graduates who studied on the Energy Engineering programme:
- Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning
- Sustainable Energy Planning and Management
- Intelligent Autonomous Systems.
However, it may depend on the BSc specialisation.
See the homepage for MSc programmes.
Career Opportunities
The primary purpose of the BSc programme in Energy is to provide the necessary background to continue on one of the MSc specialisations offered.
Professional competence in planning, production, distribution and consumption of electrical, thermal and mechanical energy, together with control of energy systems, are gained through the BSc in the Thermal Energy programme.
The gained knowledge enables the graduates to work in design, consulting, development, and research in Danish and international industries or public institutions.
Examples of possible employers:
- Energy supply companies,
- Wind-, machine-, or process industry
- Counselling companies
- Industries involved in combustion and cooling systems.
Continuing on a MSc programme would increase the possibility of obtaining a good engineering position.
Fuel cell systems, bio-energy, combustion systems, cooling and power optimisation of devices and systems are only a few points of interest of today’s society that requires qualified Energy engineers.
Mechatronic Control Engineering
Study Motivation
Knowledge of Mechatronic Control Systems is important for a well functioning modern society
Renewable power production and new energy saving apparatus are undergoing a fast development process to deal with environmental issues like global warming
The need for new energy sources like wind and wave energy including e.g. new hydraulic systems.
There is a need for Mechatronic Control engineers experienced in:
- Environmentally friendly energy production and consumption
- Exploiting renewable energy sources like wind, solar and wave energy
- Developing energy-efficient systems and products for various applications
- Maintaining Denmark’s leading position within the area of energy.
Read more about the 5th and 6th semesters in the study curriculum.
The Content of the Study
5th Semester: Mechatronic System Analysis
This semester focuses on the importance of the interaction between the modelling and control when designing a mechatronic system. The design must take into account the multidisciplinary characteristic of the systems. Insight into dynamic analysis and an understanding of digital control are given in order to implement the proposed strategies.
Project examples
- Design of an electro-hydraulic valve without dead-band.
6th semester: Mechatronic System Design
Mechatronic systems or components are to be designed. Evaluation of different solutions and their suitability for various technologies and constraints is to be made. The designed products are to be built and tested in the laboratory.
Project examples:
- System for the reutilisation of kinetic energy
- Fast switching valve
- Development of servo subwoofer.
Master of Science (MSc) Specialisations
The Bachelor of Science (BSc ) programme in Energy Engineering with specialisation in Mechatronic Control Engineering or similar gives access to the following MSc specialisations in Energy Engineering (Aalborg) and Sustainable Energy Engineering (Esbjerg):
- Mechatronic Control Engineering (Aalborg)
- Offshore Energy Systems (Esbjerg)
- Wind Turbine Systems (Esbjerg).
Other specialisations offered by Aalborg University, suitable for BSc graduates who studied on the Energy Engineering programme:
- Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning
- Sustainable Energy Planning and Management
- Intelligent Autonomous Systems.
However, it may depend on the BSc specialisation.
See the homepage for MSc programmes.
Career Opportunities
The primary purpose of the BSc programme in Energy is to provide the necessary background to continue on one of the MSc specialisations offered.
Professional competence in planning, production, distribution and consumption of electrical, thermal and mechanical energy, together with control of energy systems, is gained through the BSc in the Mechatronic Control Engineering Programme.
The gained knowledge enables the graduates to work in design, consulting, development, and research in Danish and international industries or public institutions.
Examples of possible employers:
- Energy supply companies
- Wind-, machine-, or process industry
- Counselling companies.
Continuing on a MSc programme would increase the possibility of obtaining a good engineering position.
Hydraulic systems, wind and wave energy and optimisation of devices and systems are only a few points of interest of today’s society that requires qualified Energy engineers.
Energy laboratories
At the Department of Energy Technology, you will find a lot of well-equipped and modern test laboratories enabling you to carry out exciting laboratory experiments. These tests will verify the theoretical analysis, which you apply during the project work. The laboratories make it possible to perform realistic tests within the electrical, thermal, hydraulic and mechanical area, as they include advanced computer-based measurement and control facilities.
The majority of the project work is carried out in cooperation with the industry. The companies will come up with project proposals and provide equipment or data for the project work.
Why choose Aalborg University?
- Problem-based and project oriented work
- Project time covers 50 % of the total number of ECTS of the semester
- Learn how to use academic knowledge in real-life scenarios
- Multi-disciplinary project work in order to solve the specific problems of the project
- Study groups of 2 to 7 students
- Each project group is allocated a study group room
- The study group room is equipped with internet and software license access, printer facilities, etc.
- Study group rooms are located in the same buildings as the teachers’ offices
- 24-hour-access to the study group rooms
- Research-based teaching provided by the Department of Energy Technology a.o.
- Insight in the newest technologies - still in the development phase
- Frequent cooperation with researchers and companies
The primary purpose of the study programme in Energy is to give you a broad theoretical basis and the appropriate practical tools. You will examine various areas in-depth, for instance new energy production systems and application and efficiency improvement of energy.
The programme provides you with a basic knowledge in Electrical, Thermal, and Mechatronic Control Engineering, enabling you to understand the different energy engineering processes which found the basis for production, distribution and consumption of energy.
Further information
For further information about the study programme, study environment, requirements and regulations, you may contact one of the below:
General and Technical Information:
Chair of Study Board, Associate Professor
Birgitte Bak-Jensen
E: bbj@et.aau.dk
P: +45 9940 9274
Specialist Student Counsellor: E: nsv@et.aau.dk
