Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sven Linow earned his doctorate at TU Darmstadt in energy and power plant engineering and subsequently developed products in the field of electric heating. Since 2014, he has held the Chair of Thermodynamics and Environmental Engineering at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. He is a member of the Scientific Climate Advisory Board of the State of Hesse.



Future engineers face the major challenge of shaping the energy transition and sustainable resource use under the constraints of climate change and biodiversity loss. This book provides the knowledge required to quantitatively evaluate options for future energy supply. It is aimed at students of engineering, but is also relevant for practitioners involved in the development of renewable energy systems.



The focus is on methods that enable the analysis of key questions related to the energy transition. As a foundation for addressing these challenges, the book introduces key performance indicators that can be used to evaluate energy carriers and infrastructure. These include, among others, cumulative energy demand (CED) and energy return on investment (EROI).



In addition, the book presents and contextualizes relevant energy supply solutions. These include, among others, the use of geothermal and solar thermal energy as well as fuels for heat generation. The generation of electricity through photovoltaics and the conversion of mechanical energy via hydropower and wind power are also covered. The book focuses on hydrogen-based energy carriers and heat pumps. Solutions for energy storage and carbon capture round out the content. Furthermore, numerous application examples demonstrate how robust decisions can be made based on a KPI-driven evaluation of energy systems.



Introduces quantitative methods for evaluating energy system solutions

Presents key performance indicators for robust decision-making, such as cumulative energy demand (CED) and EROI (Energy Returned on Energy Invested)

Assesses specific solutions for renewable energy supply – from geothermal energy and photovoltaics to wind power

Focuses on hydrogen-based energy carriers and heat pumps

Includes numerous application examples