Study information

Renewable Energy Systems - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLERenewable Energy Systems CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODEENEM101 MODULE CONVENERDr Helen Smith (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Starting with a background in current energy mix, the challenges of cutting carbon emissions and the barriers to new energy technologies, this module will cover a number of renewable energy technologies from their fundamental operational principles to the latest developments. It will explore design considerations for project development and operations and maintenance. Wind, solar, marine and energy storage will be explored in detail. Renewable heat and conventional energy will also be covered.

A background in the fundamental principles of general engineering will be required.
 

AIMS - intentions of the module

After setting the context of the conventional energy mix the module will cover the fundamental operating principles of a range of renewable energy technologies. The history of their development, the current state of commercial deployment and the latest innovations will be covered for wind, solar, marine renewables and energy storage technologies. An overview of design and planning constraints for wind, solar and marine renewables will also be addressed.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Apply a wide-ranging mathematical and scientific knowledge to the understanding and analysis of renewable energy technologies and to resource assessment approaches (M1-FL, M2-FL);

2. Display competence in the use of industry standard data analysis, design and modelling software and show awareness of the limitations of these techniques (M3-FL, M5-FL);


Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. Apply appropriate analytical and software tools for resource assessment and project development applications (M3-FL);

4. Critically evaluate scientific literature and apply it to the engineering context (M7-FL);

5. Assess the sustainability of renewable energy technologies and apply appropriate mitigation to minimise impacts (M7-FL)


Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6. Synthesise data from a range of sources and draw appropriate conclusions (M2-FL, M4-FL);

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Industrial context: Existing energy systems and consequential issues including climate change, air quality and diminishing energy reserves.

Renewable energy technologies: Operational principles of wind, solar, marine, low carbon heating and energy storage technologies. State of development of each technology and future direction.

Siting of renewable technologies: Resource assessment, planning constraints, site optimisation and economic viability.

Design tools: The use of specialist industry software for identifying suitable sites, optimising layout and quantifying energy generation.
 

 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 80 Guided Independent Study 220 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 60 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20 Workshops
Guided independent study 220 Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       
       
       
       
       
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Research report - marine 20 2400 word equivalent 4,5,6 Written/audio feedback
Mapping exercise - wind 20 2400 word equivalent 1,2,3,6 Written feedback
Solar report 20 2400 word equivalent 2,3,4,6 Written feedback
Examination 40 2 hours 1 Verbal upon request

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
As above:      
3 x reports, each worth 20% 3 x reports (marine, solar, wind) As above Ref/Def week
Exam (40%) Exam As above Ref/Def week

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Boyle, G., Everett, B., Ramage, J. Energy Systems and Sustainability OUP 2003 000-0-199-26179-2
Set Boyle, G. Renewable Energy: power for a sustainable future Open University Press 2012 0-199-26179-2
Set Scheer, H. A Solar Manifesto James & James 2004 1 902916 24 7
Set Burton, T Wind energy handbook Chichester: John Wiley 2001 0471489972
Set Goodall, C The Switch Profile Books 2016 9781781256350
CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 20th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Renewable Energy

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.