Study information

Renewable Energy Systems 2 - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLERenewable Energy Systems 2 CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM2181 MODULE CONVENERProf Richard Cochrane (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 10
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 21
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module is intended to build on the knowledge gained during the first year’s introductory module, CSM1032 Renewable Energy Systems 1 and form a bridge to the third year’s technology specific modules.

Practical elements are included within the module. Following induction in workshop techniques, design and build a small hydro turbine. In addition hands on training with solar energy simulation software is included to enable site feasibility, system design and performance estimates for photovoltaic installations.

A number of local field trips are planned during the module to showcase the technologies studied. This is anticipated to include a visit to a wind turbine installation, a solar farm, a solar test site and DMAC, the marine test facility.

The module can be taken by the non-specialist with a general background in basic physics/ mathematics.

AIMS - intentions of the module

An introductory course introducing concepts of energy and renewable energy sources.

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. understand renewable energy technologies, such as solar, hydro, wind, renewable heat and offshore technologies
2. appreciate the socio-economic issues associated with the widespread use of renewable energy

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. use a computer based solar energy design tool effectively
4. assess the practical limitations of such solutions

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. undertake induction to safe use of workshop facilities
6. develop research and report writing skills
 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- Solar Photovoltaics: system design, site characteristics, simulation techniques, site feasibility assessment

- Renewable Heat: range of solutions available, scope and limitations, relative stage of development 

- Field Trips

- Hydropower: turbine types, system design, site assessment, calculations

- Tidal power: range of device designs, site selection, performance estimation

- Wind energy: wind (Weibull etc), basic aerodynamics, basic turbine technology and small turbines

- Wave energy: Onshore and off-shore wave energy extraction systems, site selection, performance estimation

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 4 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 4 Laboratory Sessions
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Field Trips
Guided independent study 110 Lecture and assessment prepartion; wider reading

 

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
Not applicable.      
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 50 1.5 hours 1,2 Tutor Meeting
Design Exercise (Solar Power) 10 1,500 words equivalent 3,4 Written indivdualised feedback on sheet
Mini-project 20 Group performance assessment 5,6 Written group feedback
Research Paper 20 2,000 words 1,2,6 Written individualised feedback on sheet
         

 

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
Assessment Additional assessment All Aug Ref/Def period
Examination Additional examination All Aug Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above up to 3 pieces of CW 50%  and/or 1 exam 50%

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:

Mackay, David J.C., Renewable Energy  Without the Hot Air, 2008, UIT, ISBN: 0954452933 PDF available from http://www.withouthotair.com 
All resources are provided online through ELE, including lecture notes, details of assignments and other support material where appropriate

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
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM1032
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 2nd October 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Energy; renewable; resource assessment; technology.

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