Tools for Teaching Demand-Side Management

Abstract

Problem solving in demand-side management from an information technological point of view demands for a variety of interdisciplinary capabilities. Additionally to basic optimisation techniques a deeper knowledge of operating modes of electrical devices and modelling of their energy flows are required for building up proper models for optimisation. In the course of a lecture oriented cooperation of three universities two software tools have been developed in order to support students in getting acquainted with complex lecture topics on their own and by using examples with practical contexts. In addition, these tools double as a demonstration means for the lecturers. This paper describes how these tools cover the aspects of optimisation techniques as well as the impacts of mathematically modelling electrical devices and their application to teaching scenarios.