Energy is one of the major topics of the future. Even in Switzerland, energy consumption is constantly rising, and politically, it has become an accepted fact that we must find ways to reduce energy consumption on a long-term basis. The 2000-watt society envisages reducing the current output of 6 kW utilized by each citizen to 2 kW by the end of the century.

It is possible to end the existing dependence of a country’s Gross National Product on energy consumption. There are numerous ways to lower energy consumption without losing wealth. Often, these solutions are not implemented by decision makers in the political, economic and technological sectors because of a lack of knowledge of the physical connections in energy engineering. The law of supply and demand, which can lever new forms of energy, will only become effective when substantial price increases result from the serious bottlenecks in the power supply. The early discussion and implementation of solutions for the future energy supply is currently providing Switzerland with a long-term substantial economic advantage in international competition.

The objective of this course is threefold: We will begin by dealing with the subject of the energy problem using Switzerland as an example. Afterwards, we will develop feasible solutions, such as using energy rationally, recovering heat, or applying heat pumps for the use of energy potential at a lower temperature. In addition, we will discuss how to implement measures within the private sector, at an industrial site, or in a municipality.

In the course Energy: Production, Consumption and Management, we will address the necessary theoretical basic principles of energy technology. Using concrete examples, the functionality of various procedures of energy transformation and of systems with which energy can be used intelligently and efficiently will be conveyed.

This course is aimed particularly at students who have an interest in energy technology and related fields and have recognized the need to seek applicable solutions. The course provides the necessary basic principles for the multifaceted aspects of the topic.