Sustainable Building Systems

Study Overview

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein

Sustainability in buildings is not just a trend, it's the only way forward. The global commitment to offer sustainable and affordable built environments will include a transition towards CO2-neutral solutions for both new and existing buildings. This task is not only challenging but also requires lots of motivated people with expertise in the field of building energy efficiency.

With our advanced Masters course Sustainable Building Systems, you can not only be a part of this transition but also drive it with your expertise.

Did you know that buildings today account globally for substantial primary energy usage and electricity consumption? In the backdrop of global warming and limited availability of energy resources, our Masters program offers you an opportunity to apply your skills towards solving the global problems with future technologies.

Short form	SBS
Type of study	Full time
Standard period of study	3 semester
Closing	Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Start of studies	winter semester
Admission restrictions	specific
Lecture location	Feuchtwangen
Language of instruction	English
Course management	Prof. Dr. Haresh Vaidya
Student advisory service	Prof. Dr. Haresh Vaidya Prof. Dr. Mathias Moog
Student services	studierendenservice.sbs(at)hs-ansbach.de

Course flyer (German)

Module Guide

Key Data

Study- and examination regulation for all years

You will not only focus on establishing sustainable and comfortable living environments but also deal with approaches to improve energy efficiency. This involves the study of related disciplines like building technology and services, as well as the design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The ongoing energy crisis has increased awareness of the need to transform the way we create, store, and use energy, and buildings have been identified as one of the major focus areas that require innovative , fast & easy to implement solutions if we are to successfully reach the CO2 reduction targets set by the UN. This specialized course will allow you to learn and apply methodologies for modeling energy efficiency, planning low carbon retrofit solutions, conducting performance gap analysis, assessing and implementing smart solutions for sustainable buildings. This Masters programme is taught by prominent academics and industry specialists, which will give you practical and academic experience in innovative energy technologies for building and industrial applications. They include energy generation and storage methods such as photovoltaics, heat pumps, battery storage, seasonal heat storage, etc. to name a few. The emerging topic of sector coupling involves bringing together different renewable energy sources and using them as per demand. Every building needs a strong foundation. You’ll deep dive into the fundamental subjects of heat transfer, energy conversion, electrical engineering and building physics, which will be the key to successful implementation of future technologies. You will also obtain a complete awareness of critical sustainability concerns such as life cycle management and circular economy. Throughout your studies, you will have access to our cutting-edge laboratory facilities as well as access to industry standard specialized softwares, thus giving you the opportunity to benchmark different tools.

Sustainable, low-to-zero-emission buildings are the need of the hour and governments across the globe are taking concrete measures to achieve climate neutrality in the building sector. This has led to a substantial increase in job openings looking need for experts who can design and manage projects an develop products for increasing energy efficiency of the built environment. The carefully tailored theoretical courses are complemented with practical modules, in which students apply their new knowledge. Through an integrated design process, our students collaborate in small groups to create energy-efficient concepts and buildings and to analyze the ramifications of various design choices using supported computer tools and processes. Interdisciplinary teams involving different engineering backgrounds as well as inter-culturality shall work together in project groups on challenging topics and present their findings to the leading experts in this field. In addition, site visits, and industry guest lecturers are planned in the course.

Our aim is to equip you with all the skills and expertise so that you can not only be a part of the transition towards climate neutrality but be a driving force behind it.

In the “Sustainable Building Systems” master’s degree, in addition to specialist training, skills are also to be developed in order to be able to achieve a managerial position or professional independence, e.g. as a certified energy consultant.

The aim of the course is to impart a broad-based education in the essential areas of building technology through practice-oriented teaching based on scientific knowledge and methods
Appropriate training in the basics and specializations enables students to recognize the determining relationships and to gain the flexibility that is needed to do justice to the rapidly advancing technical development.
The graduates of this master's program recognize and react to the constantly changing technical requirements for building technology and develop solution strategies with a view to economic, ecological, social and societal aspects.

Learning Outcome

Increasing efficiency and using renewable energies are a new global challenge that graduates of the course can help to shape.
Building technology is only dealt with in outline in the basic training courses in structural engineering and architecture. The development of environmental technologies makes automation-supported building technology one of the most innovative areas of the construction industry. It is inextricably linked to requirements such as energy efficiency and environmentally friendly construction. Tailored to this, the graduates learn to plan and implement heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical components as an overall system to low-energy and passive house standards.
Subject areas of building technology are modern technical building equipment with renewable heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, control technology and building automation for energy-optimized operation of systems. In addition to cross-trade subjects, simulation tools , facility management and building information modeling (BIM) are taught
Application-oriented knowledge of building technology and the sustainable planning, construction and operation of buildings
They know the technical and normative basics of all trades in building technology.
The graduates understand the fundamental engineering principles .
They have knowledge of the connections and interactions of building technology with the building envelope
The engineers know which different actors are involved in planning and execution processes and where interfaces form.
You have an overview of the economic and social impacts over the entire life cycle of a building.

Example of Sustainable Buildng Systems

Lighting systems: Smart lighting systems employ sensors and automation to alter lighting levels based on occupancy, time of day, and natural light levels. This can assist to cut energy usage while also improving the user experience.

HVAC systems: Smart HVAC systems employ sensors and data analytics to improve heating and cooling operations depending on occupancy, weather, and other factors. This can assist to minimize energy use while also increasing comfort for building occupants.

Smart security systems monitor building access and detect possible threats using sensors, cameras, and access control systems. They may also be connected with other building systems, such as lighting and HVAC, to enhance building operations and increase safety and security.

Occupancy monitoring systems: Occupancy tracking systems track the movement of individuals within a building using sensors and data analytics. This can assist building owners and operators in optimizing space use and improving the user experience.

Building automation systems integrate several building systems, such as lighting, Ventilation, and security, onto a single platform. Building operators may use this to optimize building operations and increase energy efficiency, safety, and security.

These are only a few examples of smart building systems; many more systems and technologies are being created and deployed in order to produce more intelligent and sustainable buildings.

...Since not every system comprised of individual energy producers, consumers, and storage devices is "smart" by definition. ... Moreover, an intelligent instance must be there that interprets this knowledge and data into choices and conveys them to the participants in real time or as a prediction or schedule. More of these very sophisticated energy systems will develop in the future as a crucial building element for the energy transition and a sustainable and regenerative energy supply.

Admission requirements and application for the course

start the SBS master’s program in the winter semester (October 1, 2023) . As for all degree programs, timely application via the online application portal is also required for this degree program. Please note that the regular deadlines are cut-off deadlines . We must therefore receive your application no later than the last day of the respective deadline (May 1 - May 31, 2023).

All information about the application can be found Sie HERE.

In addition, a successfully completed university degree in a relevant course or an equivalent domestic or foreign degree with an overall examination grade of at least 2.5 is required, which usually comprises 210 ECTS points, but at least 180 ECTS points. Courses that are based on the fundamentals of engineering (AIW, NIW, ESW, etc.), electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, supply engineering or comparable are considered relevant .

(BayHIG) applies to applicants to Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act. Admission Requirements:

Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS points (Engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, supply engineering or comparable)
Language: English: IELTS at least 6,5; TOEFL at least 85 points (B2) / German: A1
Bachelor (or comparable) grade point average min. 2.5 (uni-assist)
Letter of motivation min. 200 to max. 500 words

Course Structure

The "Sustainable Building Systems" master's degree comprises 90 ECTS, which can be completed in three semesters. If you start with a degree that comprises less than 210 ECTS, you may have to plan additional time for catching up on modules/ECTS.

In the first semester, elementary technical knowledge about the components and participants of the system is imparted through the module "Electrical Engineering for Energy Applications". "Simulation of Building Energy Concepts" is one of the five digital modules in the first semester that deals with the interaction of the individual participants in the energy system. "Building Physics and Energy System Technologies" teaches students about physical phenomena affecting buildings, including the behavior of heat, air, and moisture, and their impact on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and human comfort. “Sustainable HVAC ” (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) involves the design, installation, and operation of HVAC systems that reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impact, and enhance indoor air quality and human comfort. An elective module allows students to explore other exciting topics in the first and second semesters."

In the second semester, the “Virtual Power Plant” deals with another essential component for the building energy systems of the future, namely the combination of decentralized energy producers with systems for storing or otherwise using excess energy in so-called Power- to -X systems for a reliable supply. In “Photovoltaics engineering”, students learn the basics of solar and go through the design, development, and implementation of technologies that convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials.“Smart Building Controls” refers to the use of automated systems and technology to optimize the performance of building systems, including HVAC, lighting, and security, to enhance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and operational effectiveness. With “BIM (Building Information Modeling)” students learn digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics that facilitates collaboration and information exchange among project stakeholders. With "Basics Sustainability" students learn the most important sustainability models and analysis methods for sustainable development. From environmental and resource economics, basic methods for a fair distribution of environmental goods as well as environmental policy instruments and tools for sustainable spatial design are presented.

The third semester enables selected topics to be deepened as part of the “Master's Thesis” , which is planned in cooperation with various companies. The “Master's seminar on scientific work” accompanies the master's thesis, opens up the exchange between students in the form of lectures and provides the tools for solid scientific work.

You complete the master’s degree in three semesters. After successful completion, you will be awarded the internationally recognized academic degree Master of Engineering ( M.Eng .):

Job Prospects

Smart building systems are becoming increasingly popular in today's world due to their ability to improve energy efficiency, optimize space utilization, enhance safety and security, and provide a better user experience. As more buildings become smart, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields will continue to grow. In addition, with the increased focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, there will be an even greater need for experts in smart building systems.

Furthermore, the growth of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) will also create opportunities for professionals in smart building systems to collaborate with other industries and work on large-scale projects.

As a result, there are excellent job prospects for individuals with skills and expertise in smart building systems.

Branches

Freelance planner
Certified energy consultant
Architectural offices
Utilities and public utilities
Companies in building technology and plant construction
Property management
Facility management companies

Fields of activity

Planning of technical building systems in the areas
Construction of technical building systems
Specialist and manager in energy, building and supply technology companies
Advice on the technical sale of products, plants and systems for supply engineering and technical building equipment
Development of products, plants, supply engineering systems and technical building equipment
Planning and operation in the field of energy production and energy distribution

Staff

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Haresh Vaidya

Studiengangsleiter Sustainable Building Systems (SBS)

09852 86398-210 FEU 2.1.1 nach Vereinbarung haresh.vaidya vCard

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Prof. Dr. Mathias Moog

Studienfachberatung Sustainable Building Systems (SBS)

0981 4877-315 92.1.44 nach Vereinbarung mathias.moog vCard

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Prof. Dr. Mathias Moog

0981 4877-315
92.1.44
nach Vereinbarung
mathias.moog
vCard

Studienfachberatung Sustainable Building Systems (SBS)

Funktionen:

Professor Nachhaltige Ingenieurwissenschaften (NIW)
Professor Künstliche Intelligenz und Kognitive Systeme (KIK)
Studienfachberatung Sustainable Building Systems (SBS)
Prodekan Fakultät Technik
Mitglied Fakultätsrat Technik

Lehrgebiete:

Angewandte Informatik
Ingenieurmathematik
Simulation

Vita:

Abitur and dem beruflichen Gymnasium in Marburg mit dem Schwerpunkt Elektrotechnik
Mathematik Studium an der Philipps-Universität Marburg
Diplomarbeit über singuläre Lösungen nichtlinearer Systeme
Promotion am Fraunhofer ITWM in Kaiserslautern auf dem Gebiet der numerischen Simulation von Mehrphasenströmungen
Industrie Tätigkeiten
- Entwicklung von Verfahren zur automatischen Klassifikation von Internet Inhalten (Familien Filter) bei Cobion (mittlerweile in IBM aufgegangen)
- Leiter der Produktentwicklung eines Kunststoffspritzguss Simulationsprogramms (SIGMASOFT)
Seit 2010 Professor an der Hochschule Ansbach

IT als durchgängiges Thema in der Lehre:

Der Einsatz von Software zieht sich durch meine gesamten Lehrveranstaltungen.

Dafür setze ich stark auf freie Software und populäre Entwicklungsumgebungen. Die Studierenden können das gelernte am eigenen Rechner ausprobieren und vertiefen. Hier ein paar Beispiele:

Ingenieurmathematik
- Ich nutze Octave (im PC Pool an der Hochschule auch Matlab) sowohl für numerische Berechnungen als auch für symbolische Rechnungen
- Für jeden Aufgabentyp aus der Ingenieurmathematik zeige ich exemplarisch wie diese Aufgaben in Octave / Matlab gelöste werden können
Statistik
- Ich setze Excel / LibreOffice / OpenOffice für einfache Statistische Auswertungen ein
- Octave / Matlab setze ich für komplexere Anwendungen ein
- Die Beispiele in meinem Kurs greifen Anwendungen aus Ingenieurwissenschaften auf und zeigen exemplarisch wie der Einsatz von Software die Berechnungen unterstützen kann
Informatik
Die Studierenden lernen im ersten Semester Java anhand der Netbeans Entwicklungsumgebung kennen. Auf diesen Grundlagen setzen meine Lehrveranstaltungen und Projektarbeiten auf.
- Mikrocontroller
  Ich verwende die populäre Arduino Plattform. Die Einstiegshürde ist für Studierende sehr niedrig und das Angebot an günstiger Hardware und frei verfügbarer Software ist sehr groß
- Robotik
  Wie bei den Mikrocontrollern setze ich auch hier auf die Arduino Plattform. Durch den Einsatz von 3D Druck lassen sich sehr schnell Prototypen und kleine Maschinen bauen.
Gebäudeautomation
Freie Soft- und Hardware öffnet einen Zugang der die Studierenden zu eigenen Entwicklungen angegt. Daneben setze ich in der Lehre auch auf etablierte Standards wie z.B. KNX.
- Hardware: Raspberry PI als Leitrechner, Arduinos als Sensoren / Aktoren
- Software: openHAB für die Steuerung und Automatisierung, MySQL als Datenbank

Kommerzielle Software nutze ich wenn dies für die Anwendungen und die Verbindung zu anderen Lehrveranstaltungen von Vorteil ist.

Matlab
Für meine Grundlagenfächer können die Studierenden Matlab oder Octave einsetzen.
ETS
In der Gebäudeautomation setze ich - neben freier Soft- und Hardware - auf dem KNX Standard mit der entsprechenden Software und Hardware auf.

Je nach Anwendungsgebiet setze ich auf weitere Software wie z.B. LabView, Comsol oder Berkeley Madonna.

Forschungsschwerpunkte:

Numerische Mathematik
- Einsatz von Matlab und Ocatave für ingenieurwissenschaftliche Berechnungen
- Algorithmen

Simulation
- Modellbildung
- Kopplung von Simulationsmodellen und Datenanalysen
Angewandte Informatik
- Mikrocontroller Programmierung
- Softwaretechnik
IoT, Smart Home und Gebäudeautomation
- Wissenschaftlicher Partner bei KNX
- Einsatz von openHAB in Lehre und Forschung
- Energiecontrolling