Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE)

The Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, KTH), is a leading technical university with first-class education and research. Founded in 1827, KTH is the largest and oldest of Sweden's six universities of technology. KTH trains engineers and architects at Bachelor's (BSc), Masters (MSc), Licentiate of Technology (LicTech), and Doctoral (PhD) level. KTH is an international institute involved in research and academic exchange with universities and colleges all over the world.

Since 1997 the Department of Energy Technology, affiliated with the School of Industrial Engineering and Management, has offered the international MSc Degree Program Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE). The program is divided into three parallel study specializations: Sustainable Power Generation; Sustainable Energy Utilization in the Built Environment; and Solar Energy (in conjunction with Dalarna University College in Borlänge). This program is also offered to a limited number of distance students in the SEE Worldwide pilot program, and is also linked to the Energy-Online initiative.

The SEE Program is a partner in the Erasmus Mundus initiative -- European Joint Masters in Management & Engineering of Environment and Energy (ME3). A new program -- Nordic Masters in Innovative Sustainable Engineering -- has also been created in partnership with universities in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.

Key Statistics, Academic Years 1997-'98 to 2007-'08

• Number of participants: nearly 400

• Number of countries represented: 67

• Number of scholarship holders: over 100 from the Swedish Institute (SI), Swedish Development Agency (SIDA), and Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT)

Represented Countries, 1997/98 to 2007/08

UPDATES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are proud to announce the inauguration of the Nordic Masters Program in Innovative Sustainable Energy Engineering.

The application process for the Fall 2009 Intake is now open; apply at studera.nu. Be sure to review this homepage and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) before submitting your application.

All inquires should be submitted to the common SEE Program e-mail address: click here

SEE Worldwide for Distance-based Studies
Links to student homepages

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the SEE Program is to provide state-of-the-art education in the fields of power generation, solar energy, 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. Participants gain proficiency in project design and implementation, operation and maintenance, as well as in crucial phases of policy generation. Advanced training in a research-oriented perspective is also included.

The SEE Program has a total duration of three semesters, or approximately twelve months, of taught courses (i.e. 90 hp*) followed by a one-semester (30 hp) thesis project. The program is open to applicants from all over the world, and is offered without tuition charges. The program language is English. Successful completion of the program results in the award of the degree Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Specialization in Sustainable Energy Engineering.

*Swedish Academic Credits, where 1 hp = 1 ECTS

COURSE PROGRAM

Study tracks for the three specializations include a common course block along with coursework related to the specific academic area. (See diagram below for an overview of the program structure.) Details on each course are available on the respective course homepage, which are hyperlinked to each entry in the program structure diagram (also see www.energy.kth.se, under 'Education', and www.eses.org).

The Solar Energy Specialization is offered in collaboration with Dalarna University College (HDa). Students electing to follow this specialization are based in Borlänge, Sweden during the second semester of studies. KTH courses are offered at a distance during this phase of the program.

Most courses include a mix of instructors from the Department of Energy Technology (KTH) and the Solar Energy Research Center (HDa), along with guest lecturers from industry and academia. Both individual and group-related activities are employed to enhance the learning process. Theoretical knowledge is reinforced via laboratory experiments and a variety of field trips.

**courses offered by Dalarna University College, Campus Borlänge

The first semester is marked by an intensive introductory period, followed by the commencement of broad-based coursework giving participants a solid foundation for the particular specialization. Course MJ2402 Introduction to Energy Technology contains a condensed cross-section of essential engineering concepts and principles on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. An overview of Swedish, European, and global energy perspectives in both historic and present contexts is also included. Course MJ2411 Renewable Energy Technology presents a survey of the most important renewable energy sources (e.g solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass) and touches upon key utilization technologies like fuel cells and heat pumps. More in-depth presentations of key components and systems are incorporated into MJ2405 Sustainable Power Generation and MJ2407 Sustainable Energy Utilization. The course MJ2413 Energy and Environment places energy conversion and utilization in an ecological context. Issues related to sustainability, as well as the concepts of life cycle analysis, material flow analysis, and environmental impact assessment are presented.

Specializations

In the subsequent semester the course MJ2410 Energy Management provides training in forecasting and developing the strategies and settings required for promoting and managing sustainable energy systems and technologies. Course MJ2409 Applied Energy Technology -- Project Course allows students to apply their energy engineering skills towards solving realistic problems defined by industrial clients. These major projects are linked to one of three Specialization Coursework options, each containing two courses related to the particular subject:

**courses offered by Dalarna University College, Campus Borlänge

Solar Energy (SOL)

The SOL Specialization focuses on passive solar heating in buildings as well as designing PV and hybrid systems. The course Solar Buildings deals with understanding the energy use and thermal energy balance of different types of buildings and the potential for energy savings. Other topics are passive solar techniques for both heating and cooling and the roll of building design and orientation, daylighting, natural ventilation, micro-climate, and the integration of active elements for both thermal and photovoltaic applications. The course PV and Hybrid System Design encompasses complete engineering studies for real-life applications (both stand alone and grid connected). Combined heat and power generation from the sun is also studied, including understanding different types of systems and general design concepts, the components required in them and economic analysis of the systems.

Sustainable Energy Utilization (SEU)

The SEU Specialization focuses on complex tasks within the area of refrigeration and heat pump technology, as well as problems within related branches of energy technology. A wide array of different refrigeration processes, refrigeration machinery and plant design are considered. The present status concerning the development of new refrigerants, as well as advanced refrigeration processes are discussed. Methodologies used in computing cooling demand, as well as in optimizing insulation thickness and different mechanical components are analyzed. Design and optimization of heat pump plants, including heat sources for such plants along with critical topics like safety standards, are considered in detail. Mobile refrigeration and air conditioning systems, sorption processes, low-temperature processes, and air separation processes are covered. In addition topics related to ventilation and heating are a part of this study specialization, in particular how they affect thermal comfort and air quality indoors, and how this, in turn, reflects on energy management in the built environment. Gaseous and particulate indoor air pollutants are discussed with regard to acceptable concentrations, health effects and existing regulations/standards. Ventilation demand and ventilation effectiveness are discussed as determined by requirements of pollutant and heat removal in different indoor environments. Methods for estimating/calculating the energy flows required for achieving specific levels of thermal comfort and air quality are analyzed as relevant to energy management in the built environment

Sustainable Power Generation (SPG)

The SPG Specialization provides 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 techniques 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 different technologies can be applied. The performance of different types of cycles is discussed, including the performance of a variety of novel cycles. In addition the SPG Specialization focuses further on two of the major renewable energy players in the field: wind energy and biomass. A thorough and highly accessible introduction to the cross-disciplinary field of wind engineering is presented with focus on turbine aerodynamics, interaction between major components along the aerodynamic-mechanical-electrical power train within the turbine, and operational issues. Biomass advanced thermal conversion methods (such as gasification) and their importance in resource management is included. Also, hydrogen is considered in the course as a future energy carrier that could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when produced from renewable energies. 

Advanced Courses

The third semester is composed of advanced coursework within the framework of the Energy Research Preparatory Program, which exposes participants to research-oriented topics. 4a5005 Measurement Techniques in Energy Technology includes theoretical and practical considerations of instrumentation for measuring pressure, temperature, and other key variables. This course is followed by MJ2424 Numerical Methods in Energy Technology, where participants are introducted to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. Two other courses --  Theory and Methodology of Science and 9e5101 Advanced Technical Communication -- embody essential research fundamentals and are offered to all MSc students at KTH. SEE Program students have the opportunity to delve deeply into selected topics via one of several Advanced Profiles:

**courses offered by Dalarna University College, Campus Borlänge

THESIS PROJECT AND FINAL DEGREE

After completing all coursework, each student commences with a thesis project on which he/she typically works over a period of 5-6 months (30 hp). Provided that a thesis project deals with a clearly defined topic from the domain of sustainable energy engineering, and under the condition that competent guidance/supervision is available to the student throughout the thesis project period, the project may be carried out either in an academic environment (university, research institute, or equivalent) or in an industrial setting (power plant, energy consulting agency, or other industry/business). In general students are encouraged to identify and/or define relevant projects on their own, and to seek environments in which these can be carried out successfully. Each year a number of thesis project proposals are advertised by the Department of Energy Technology, and a handful of projects are offered at companies or organizations both in Sweden and abroad. Please note that most projects do not include any financial assistance in the form of scholarships or other direct payments.

The thesis project is conducted under the guidance of an advisor from within the program, with the assistance of local/external advisors. Students are expected to keep their advisors regularly updated on the progress of their project work, and need to submit progress reports at different stages of their work.

Once the thesis project is nearly complete, students are expected to formally present the results of their efforts within the framework of a seminar and respond to comments/questions put forward by a committee consisting of their thesis advisors and invited referees. These presentations may either be carried out at KTH, or - if this is more convenient to all involved parties, and then upon special agreement - at other suitable locations, e.g. in the countries where the projects were carried out.

Upon successful completion of all required coursework and presentation/defense of their project work, students are awarded the KTH degree Master of Science (2 years) in Mechanical Engineering (in Swedish 'Teknologie masterexamen inom huvudämnet maskinteknik').

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Eligibility

Applicants interested in being considered for admission should have academic backgrounds in disciplines/professions relevant to the study major of interest, and are required to substantiate their keen interest in continuing their careers in areas relevant to sustainable energy engineering. Suitable academic backgrounds include mechanical engineering, applied physics, and areas of electrical/chemical engineering relevant to power generation/distribution, and/or energy utilization. Applicants must hold Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees in relevant disciplines - or documented equivalents thereof. Equivalency will be evaluated at the discretion of the Program Administration, based on academic achievements and profile, as well as pertinent professional experience.

It is imperative that applicants have a sound knowledge of basic engineering sciences, including engineering thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, mathematics and numerical methods. Professional experience in related fields is considered a merit. Since male students are traditionally most numerously represented in this field of studies, female candidates are especially encouraged to apply for enrollment. A sound and documented knowledge of written and spoken English (equivalent to a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS score of 6.0 for non-native speakers) is required from all applicants.

Scholarships, Insurance and Accomodation

While students do not incur any tuition fees at KTH (except for a compulsory nominal fee of 350 SEK/yr covering membership in the Student Union), they will have to cover all living expenses in Sweden, as well as the costs of all travel between their respective home countries and Sweden. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support on their own. A limited number of scholarships may be made available by the Swedish Institute (SI) via various programs. Additional information can be found here or www.studyinsweden.se. Please consult this page for full details regarding eligibility.

Applicants interested in obtaining financial support from the Swedish Institute should express their interest at the time of applying for admission (see relevant section in the application form). Scholarship requests should not be submitted directly to SI as the Program Administration is exclusively mandated to nominate eligible applicants on a competitive basis.

The SEE Program also offers scholarships to students enrolled at Makerere University, Uganda within the framework of the Linnaeus-Palme Program, which is administered by the International Program Office for Education and Training. These scholarships cover related expenses for either one or two semesters of exchange study in the field of energy technology. Scholarship amounts are 45000 SEK for one semester and 75000 SEK for two semesters. Please contact the Program Administration for more information.

Chinese applicants may be eligible to apply for a scholarship offered by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC). Click here for more information.

Please note that all participants are required to have health and accident insurance valid in Sweden. Participants from the EU are advised to obtain all documentation required for gaining access to medical treatment in Sweden in accordance with the existing intra-European agreements. The SEE Program has no obligation or possibility to assume any financial responsibility for any type of health or accident expenses incurred during travel to or from Sweden, or during the period of registration as a KTH student. Participants may purchase a comprehensive medical insurance scheme offered by Gefvert AB via KTH. This comprehensive health insurance scheme covers all medical and emergency dental treatment expenses incurred in Sweden during the period of registration as a KTH student. The cost of this insurance is currently 2395 SEK for a 13-month period. If you are interested in purchasing this insurance, please contact the Program Administration.

Program participants will be assisted in finding affordable student-type accomodation in facilities administered through KTH Accommodation. (Participants based in Borlänge should contact Dalarna University College for more information.) This type of accomodation currently costs approximately 3000 SEK/month. Accomodation is provided either in individual rooms with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchen facilities, or in apartments shared by two or more students (depending on apartment size). In shared apartments, invididuals are accomodated in a private room with access to shared bathroom, kitchen and other facilities. Due to practical reasons, accomodation is made available on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to the shortage of student-type housing, accomodations for students with accompanying spouses or families normally cannot be arranged by KTH Accommodation. Participants interested in different types of housing are welcome to seek alternative solutions independently. A non-refundable booking fee is charged for securing accomodation as per above.

Program Duration

The taught portion of the program consists of three semesters. The Fall Semester starts at the end of August or beginning of September and finishes in the third week in December, followed by around three weeks of winter recess. The Spring Semester 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 1.5 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 section above for more details.

Literature and Computer Requirements

A list of required literature for each course can be found on the respective course homepage. Much of the material is available either as compendia (printed or pdf versions) or electronically through the extensive CompEdu platform. These materials may be purchased through the respective course instructors for a nominal fee. A handful of textbooks are either recommended or required for certain courses.

All students are given KTH computer accounts (including e-mail) along with 24 hr access to computer labs (printers and scanners are also available). Access to private personal computers is highly encouraged but not required. KTH has extensive wireless networking capability, and suitably equipped laptops can be used to access the Internet in most areas on campus.

Application Procedure

Applications for all MSc programs at KTH are handled by the National Agency for Services to Universities and University Colleges (printed application forms are available for students who do not have access to the internet). Key information and documents that are required include the following:

General Requirements for all MSc Programs

• Cover sheet (generated from the web-based application)

• Certificates and diplomas from previous education at an internationally recognised university.

• Transcripts of records (including course list). Sort them in reversed chronological order, i e put the last received document on top.

• A copy of your passport or some other document of identification.

• Proof that you meet the specific requirements of the program chosen (see below=.

• Proof of English skills.

Specific Requirements for SEE Program

• Thesis proposal, 1-2 pages. (This document gives you the opportunity to express your interests in a relevant research field. We have the chance to learn more about you as a candidate and to judge your abilities in problem formulation. This proposal does not guarantee a commitment either from the applicant or from the SEE Program.)

• Letter of motivation, including autobiographical statement, 1-2 pages

• Two letters of recommendation (free-form text, preferably on university/company letterhead)

• Curriculum vitae

• Certificate showing relevant work experience, if any (can also be included as part of a letter of recommendation)

• Application Supplement indicating mode of study and preferred specialization (click here to download). Applicants who do not include this form with the application can submit it at a later time. In this case instructions will be e-mailed SEE Program Office after the application has been received.

Click here to proceed to the application process, and please refer to our FAQ.

Application Deadline

Completed applications should be submitted by 15 January of the preceding academic year for all applicants. The mailing address for completed applications is listed in the web-based application instructions.

Formal Letters of Admission will be sent to applicants admitted to the SEE Program before the end of May. Further information about the program can be obtained from the SEE Program Administration at the below addresses.

Please use the 'SEE-master' e-mail address for all electronic inquiries; do not sent messages to personal addresses.