Energy Efficiency and Systems

Energy efficiency plays a key role in solving challenges related to developing a sustainable future for human societies, highlighting the need to optimise energy systems of all sizes.

In the Energy Efficiency and Systems research group, research is focused on energy generation and energy consumption systems. The scale of these systems ranges from single buildings to industrial energy systems and continental energy networks.

Despite the variety of application areas, common research methods provide opportunities for close cooperation between the group's researchers, thus providing the base of knowledge needed for top-level research. This knowledge base also provides possibilities for international research cooperation.

Efficient energy use and indoor climate in buildings, energy- and material-efficient technologies, process concepts and process integration in industry, and optimal energy systems of communities are the key research knowledge in the group. The basis of the research is in the increasing complexity of energy systems and the need to reduce their environmental impact.

The main research tools are different types of analysis, simulation and optimisation methods used in computer software and programs. These computer programs include both leading commercial software and programs created by the group. Experimental methods are also used, focusing on efficient integration of renewable energy in buildings, on drying technology and on measuring the indoor-air quality and performance of energy systems in buildings.

Approximately 4–7 doctoral dissertations are created within the group every year.

Research topics: Energy technology for industry, societal and economic impact of energy technologies, energy systems of buildings and communities, building energy efficiency, thermal environment.

Personnel: Professor Sanna Syri,  Professor Risto Kosonen, Professor Risto Lahdelma, Professor Markku Virtanen. Approximately 40 people work in the research group in total.

Aalto University research themes: Advanced energy solutions, Human-centred living environments