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Sustainable Energy Technologies: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Marine - ELE00179M

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Asim Mumtaz
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

With the 2050 net zero carbon target and recent challenges with increased fuel costs, the transition to cleaner, sustainable forms of energy is an inevitable reality. Consequently, we are observing a rapid uptake in a range of renewable energy technologies. The key aims of this module are to introduce the advanced underlying concepts relating to the main sources of renewable energy generation. In addition, specific energy conversion devices will be taught, such as solar photovoltaic cells, renewable heat technologies, wind turbines, and marine energy systems.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To be able to analyse the broad landscape of renewable energy power generation and to teach some fundamental concepts relevant to other modules on this MSc course.
  • To be able to convey an understanding of the physical and practical concepts related to the main sources of renewable energy generation.
  • To be able to introduce the various designs and design considerations associated with a range of renewable energy technologies.

Graduate skills aims:

After the completion of this module, students should be able to:

  • Analyse the key technologies used to harness energy from a variety of sources and their efficiency limits.
  • Be able to explain and calculate key components in renewable energy technology systems.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Examine the design and implementation of different types of renewable energy technologies
  • Calculate and measure the characteristics of various renewable energy technologies such as solar cells, wind turbines and ground source heat pumps.
  • Design the key electrical and electronic aspects for efficient and effective renewable energy systems, including the necessary power electronics.
  • Identify challenges in using sustainable and renewable energy to meet the growing energy demands.

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Work as a team on a design and implementation of a renewable energy system
  • Explain the advanced characteristics of various renewable energy technologies

Module content

Introduction to Renewable Energy

  • Basic concepts, energy conservation, energy use, fossil fuels, climate change, net zero challenge, legislation and introduction to different renewable energy sources.

1. Introduction Solar Energy

  • Solar radiation and capture, blackbody radiation.
  • Solar photovoltaic cells, p-n junctions, band diagrams, current-voltage characteristics, Photovoltaic systems; grid connected and remote power.

2. Wind Energy

  • Energy and power in wind.
  • Wind turbines, horizontal/vertical axis, aerodynamics of wind turbines, power/energy from wind turbines.
  • Wind turbine systems, electric machines and power electronics. Off -shore wind.

3. Renewable Heat Technologies

  • Solar thermal, geothermal and heat pumps.
  • Technologies for the direct use of these renewable heat sources.

4. Marine Renewables

  • Resource of hydroelectric, tidal and wave power. Principles of these sources.
  • Wave power convertors and harnessing tidal power and integration for electrical power transfer.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed-book exam: Sustainable Energy Technologies: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Marine		 2 hours 50
Essay/coursework
Continuous assessment		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

In this module we aim to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme.

(i) Formative Feedback

1. In lecture questions, quizzes, and discussions to provide immediate feedback to learning. 2. 3 key labs allow you to implement and check key aspects of the learning from the lectures and opportunity to discuss concepts with module leader.

3. Learning materials will be provided on the module Wiki page to help you to gain feedback on your understanding of the key module material covered in the lectures.

4. 1 seminar to be arranged by a guest lecturer from industry.

5. Emails to the Module Coordinator with Questions / Comments will be answered as soon as possible. 6. There will be an opportunity to discuss your assignment with the module leader who can provide some formative feedback prior to submission.

(ii) Summative Feedback

You will receive a feedback sheet, showing the mark breakdown for each of the key areas being assess ed along with personalised feedback and suggestions for improvement. The comments will explain how well you have met the learning objectives, and give you feedback about the things you could improve in future assignments.

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

  • J. Andrews “Energy science: principles, technologies, and impacts”, Oxford University Press, 2017, ISBN 9780198755814
  • S. Peake, “Renewable Energy, Power for a Sustainable Future”, Oxford University Press, 2017, 4th edition, ISBN 978-0198759751
  • V. Quaschning, “Understanding Renewable Energy Systems”, Routledge, 2016, ISBN 9781138781962


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.