Articles
Publication Date: 2024/09/18
آموزش مهندسی ایران (16072316)(102)pp. 103-117
This paper examines the role of entrepreneurship in energy engineering education, emphasizing the importance of incorporating entrepreneurial skills into the curriculum. Given the global challenges associated with sustainable energy, entrepreneurship is identified as a crucial driver for developing innovative technologies in the energy sector. The paper addresses the obstacles and challenges of integrating entrepreneurship into energy engineering education programs and highlights the need for curriculum reform, enhanced industry collaboration, and the utilization of appropriate resources to foster entrepreneurship. Additionally, the paper underscores the importance of balancing technical and entrepreneurial content within energy engineering courses, and the necessity of providing suitable incentives and opportunities for students to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The societal demand for sustainable energy solutions and the pressing global challenges underscore the need for energy engineering students to develop entrepreneurial skills. This development is presented as a vital strategy for driving economic growth and fostering innovation in the energy industry. In conclusion, the paper argues that the integration of entrepreneurship into energy engineering education is essential for preparing students to contribute effectively to the energy sector’s evolution and to address the urgent need for sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Publication Date: 2026
Energy Conversion and Management: X (25901745)29
Growing energy demand and fossil fuel dependency in Iran's residential sector have intensified challenges related to gas supply shortages and electricity imbalances. Addressing these issues requires innovative, low-carbon heating solutions. This study evaluates the techno-economic and environmental performance of a low-exergy hybrid heating system integrating photovoltaic/thermal collectors with a ground-source heat pump across six Iranian climate zones. Using Polysun® simulations, system behavior was analyzed on annual, monthly, and hourly scales. Results show that annual thermal energy outputs reached 120,767kWh in Ardabil and 118,876 kWh in Kerman, with corresponding seasonal performance factors of 3.0 and 2.9, indicating efficient utilization of low-temperature renewable heat. The PV subsystem produced up to 36,745 kWh/a in Kerman, while annual CO2 savings was 58,370 kg. Economically, Kerman achieved the best performance, with a life cycle cost of $197,708, a net present value of $237,989, and investment recovery in year 17. The findings confirm that the proposed low-exergy system is technically feasible and economically promising, especially in sunny, semi-arid regions. The deployment of such systems can mitigate fossil fuel reliance, enhance grid stability, and reduce emissions. Redirecting national energy subsidies toward such clean and efficient systems could accelerate their adoption and support Iran's transition toward a resilient, low-carbon energy future. © 2025 The Authors
