Since 2022, we co-organize the Mad for Energy course (Bojos per l’Energia). This belongs to the Mad for Science programme of the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, a course developed and organized by the Catalan Institute of Energy (ICAEN), with the collaboration of the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), aimed at 1st and 2nd year “batxillerat” students with a scientific vocation and interested in STEM careers. This course was created with the idea of introducing the multidisciplinary environment offered by IREC where different disciplines come together to solve all kind of problems, mainly related to the energy transition to a new clean energy model, distributed and with citizens at the center. The main objective of this course is to foster scientific vocations and promote the knowledge and education of excellence in energy of young people in Catalonia.
Registration for the Energy course of the Mad for Science programme will usually be open from mid September to mid October. Among all applicants, ~20-25 students from 1st and 2nd year “batxillerat” students will be selected. The Registration link here.
The course will be held on Saturdays from mid January to mid May at IREC (mainly) and ICAEN facilities.
During 15 theoretical and practical sessions students will get to know the world of energy. They will learn that the energy transition for the construction of a sustainable future will be based on renewable energy, storage and a responsible and optimal consumption of resources. From IREC research, we do research to improve how to produce renewable energy, such as photovoltaic or wind, or on how we save this energy for when we need it to heat our house or move our vehicles. We will learn what the digitization of energy is, in a world that will be increasingly interconnected. We are waiting for you!
The course will focused on the following areas:
- How is energy produced?
- How is energy stored?
- How is energy distributed?
- How do we consume energy?
Updated information of the course can be found here: https://www.fundaciocatalunya-lapedrera.com/ca/bojos-ciencia/cursos/energia
Specific goals
Academic studies
To promote among young people scientific vocations related to energy in particular and to technological research in general, as an object of study and as a tool for research.
Research
- Make students aware of the importance of energy in different areas of research, science and engineering.
- Know the operation of research centers linked to energy.
- Valuing multidisciplinarity and technology as necessary pieces for the progress of knowledge.
Science
- Engage students to be critical and value science in general.
- Understand the difference between basic research and applied research in energy.
Sessions (from first year – 2022)
Module 1. Introductory session
Day: Saturday 15th of January 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: Institut Català d’Energia. Districte Administratiu – Building A (C/ del Foc, 57 | 08038 Barcelona)
Session coordinator: Judith Frutos.
Language: Catalan
In this session we will do an introductory session on energy, how it is generated and how it is consumed, comparing conventional power generation methods with fossil fuels and renewable energies. We will talk about energy efficiency and the current challenges to face the so-called “energy transition” and the possible scenarios for the new energy model.
Module 2. How do we generate energy?
Session 2: How do we extract the energy from the sun?
Session 2: How do we extract the energy from the sun?
Day: Saturday 22nd of January 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Jacob Andrade
Language: Spanish
We will explain the basic principles of solar energy generation to produce energy (photovoltaic), heat (solar thermal) and fuels (solar fuels). We will focus on teaching you how solar energy is generated with photovoltaic farms, as well as with other more innovative technologies such as transparent or flexible photovoltaics. Do you want to know where we can find these elements? We will explain it to you in this session!
Session 3: How do we extract the energy from the wind?
Session 3: How do we extract the energy from the wind?
Day: Saturday 29th og January 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besóss
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: José Ignacio Rapha
Language: Spanish
Wind energy is obtained from moving air. Windmills are generally used, which can be found both on land and in the sea and which can be higher than Montjuïc. In this session we will explain how electricity is generated using this technology, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the challenges it presents for the future.
Session 4: What is the internet of things?
Session 4: What is the internet of things?
Day: Saturday 5th of February 2022
Time: 1oam to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besóss
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Alex Morata
Language: Catalan
Can you imagine a world in which objects are digitally connected, exchange information, make decisions and act on the environment? In this session we will talk about the Internet of Things (IoT), which is already a reality and will have an immeasurable impact on our cities, businesses, industries and, ultimately, in all areas of daily life. One of the biggest challenges for the deployment of this technology is the sustainable and reliable energy supply of a network of millions of offshored devices (nodes). In this session we will talk about the generation and storage of energy for IoT.
Session 5: Capture energy from the environment
Session 5: Capture energy from the environment
Day: Saturday 12th of February 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Andreu Cabot
Language: Catalan
In this session we will review the various forms of energy that surround us and how to harness them to produce the electricity we use to activate sensors, charge our mobiles, operate autonomous systems, among other applications.
Session 6: How do we measure the environmental impact of new technologies?
Session 6: How do we measure the environmental impact of new technologies?
Day: Saturday 19th of February 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besóss
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Gabriela Benveniste i Victor Ferreira
Language: Catalan and Spanish
Clean energy technologies are here to stay: solar panels, batteries and wind turbines are part of our reality. These technologies do not emit greenhouse gases during their operation … but what is behind their manufacture and recycling once they are thrown away? In this session we will explore the environmental impact of new energy technologies, from the materials used for their manufacture to the reuse and disposal of equipment with an approach called circular economy.
Module 3. How is energy stored and distributed?
Session 7: Conventional batteries and new storage methods
Session 7: Conventional batteries and new storage methods
Day: Sunday 26th of February 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Sebastián Murcia
Language: Spanish
In this session we will explain the basic principles of operation of a conventional battery, and how new more efficient batteries are designed to store energy or using more sustainable materials. We will also explain how to take advantage of sunlight and water (or also CO2) to produce biofuels, and how to contribute in this way to control greenhouse gas emissions.
Session 8: Synthetic fuels of the future
Session 8: Synthetic fuels of the future
Day: Saturday 5th of March 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Andreina Alarcón
Language: Spanish
The session provides basic tools for students who want to enter the field of catalysis. Fundamentally it provides knowledge in the design and manufacture of heterogeneous catalysts, how they act, their importance in research and in industry, and some examples of sustainable catalytic reactions with the environment.
Session 9: Hydrogen as an energy vector
Session 9: Hydrogen as an energy vector
Day: Saturday 12th of March 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Marc Torrell
Language: Catalan
First we will explain what hydrogen is, what it is for in the energy context, and how it can be used to store energy. The different hydrogen generation technologies will be explained, as well as the main applications both in the industrial, domestic and mobility fields. Participants will be able to have a global vision of new energy scenarios based on renewable sources, and how energy can be stored beyond batteries.
Session 10: Sustainable mobility and storage
Session 10: Sustainable mobility and storage
Day: Saturday 19th of March 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Maite Etxandi and Pol Paradell
Language: Catalan
In this session we will explain what an electric vehicle looks like, how its battery works and what its performance is like. We will also learn how the network of electric chargers on the road is planned to ensure mobility over long distances. We will also talk to you about sustainable mobility options for public transport and we will reflect on the future role of the automobile in society.
Session 11: What is a smart grid?
Session 11: What is a smart grid?
Day: Saturdat 26th of March 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Anzhelika Ivanova
Language: Spanish
The current electricity grid will have to adapt to the new paradigm of renewable energy. What will that imply? The electrical grid will have to be smart which includes a follow-up of energy mediators and management with devices such as smart meters, smart appliances and integrating renewable energy sources. In a smart grid, the ability to control energy production and distribution is very important. We explain what challenges are presented in this session!
Module 4. How do we consume energy?
Session 12: How do we design buildings with almost zero energy consumption?
Session 12: How do we design buildings with almost zero energy consumption?
Day: Saturday 2nd of april 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Jordi Pascual i Soledad Ibañez
Language: Catalan and Spanish
In this session we will explain how to design and build an almost zero energy building. Through discussions and dynamic activities we will review what factors we must take into account to design the envelope and facilities, and the relevance of renewable energy and energy management of the building to achieve our objectives.
Session 13: How do we rehabilitate a building to make it more energy sustainable?
Session 13: How do we rehabilitate a building to make it more energy sustainable?
Day: Saturday 23rd of April 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Thibault Pean
Language: Catalan and Spanish
During the session we will introduce the most relevant aspects that influence the energy behavior of our buildings and how these factors influence aspects such as health and comfort. We will review the most relevant strategies to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings through specific rehabilitation actions and changes in the behavior of the people who use it.
Session 14: What’s Green IT?
Session 14: What’s Green IT?
Day: Saturday 7th of May 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Paolo Taddeo and Joaquim Romaní Picas
Language: Catalan and Spanish
In this workshop we will introduce you to data centers and, more specifically, their relevance in the digitized world we live in today. We will review the energy consumption and impact of daily actions such as the use of WhatsApp and we will introduce tools that allow us to evaluate the energy behavior of a Data Center and how to reduce our environmental impact.
Session 15: Active consumers: challenges and solutions
Session 15: Active consumers: challenges and solutions
Day: Saturday 14th of May 2022
Time: 10am to 2pm
Place: IREC, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2nd floor. 08930 Sant Adrià de Besós
Session coordinator: Anna Magrasó
Session run by: Mariana Jiménez i Josh Eichman
Language: Spanish and English
In this workshop we will learn about the components of the electricity bill and the options available to reduce costs. We will analyze how we consume electricity in urban homes and if it is feasible to install a community solar system to produce our energy. We will also talk about what energy poverty is and reflect on potential schemes to mitigate this problem.
More information
Link to the program’s website: https://www.fundaciocatalunya-lapedrera.com/ca/bojos-ciencia/
Energy Course: https://www.fundaciocatalunya-lapedrera.com/ca/bojos-ciencia/cursos/energia
Course coordinator: Anna Magrasó amagraso@irec.cat
Course organized by
