CH989-15 Sustainable Energy Systems
Introductory description
This module focuses on the core principles and concepts of energy generation, energy conversion and energy storage systems applied in electrical and electronic systems.
Module aims
This module aims to give learners a full understanding of sustainable technology systems, the technical concepts that underpin renewable energy applications and their role in addressing the energy challenges faced by contemporary society. The module explores the drivers behind the concerns about the availability of energy sources, and considers technical approaches towards the development and implementation of sustainable energy systems. This includes energy generation and deployment, the role of transport and grid integration and energy management. Macro problems around the drivers of global energy demand and the need for new sources of affordable sustainable energy systems will also be explores.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Introduction to Sustainable energy
- Fundamentals of sustainable energy
- Energy Generation and storage
- The role of transport and grid integration
- Energy management and optimisation, including modelling
- Macro drivers of energy demand and sustainable energy.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Interpret, apply and resolve the key principles underpinning renewable energy technologies.
- Evaluate design processes and methodologies for renewable energy systems.
- Apply concepts from a range of disciplines to assess sustainable energy systems in order to evaluate their suitability and effectiveness.
- Understand and apply models for solving problems in renewable energy systems.
- Discuss current practice and its limitations as well as forthcoming developments in renewable energy technology.
Indicative reading list
Frank Kreith, “Principles of sustainable energy systems”, CRC press, second edition, ISBN: 978-1-4665-5696-6.
I. Dincer, C. Zamfirescu, “Sustainable energy systems and applications”, Springer 2011, ISBN: 978 -0-387-95860-6.
A. Rao, “Sustainable energy conversion for electricity and coproducts: principles, technologies, and equipment”, Wiley 2015, ISBN: 9781118396629.
N. D. Kaushika, “Sustainable energy and the environment : a clean technology approach”,
Springer 2016, ISBN: 9783319294445.
Research element
This module embeds the latest research in these topics, including guest sessions from researchers at the cutting edge of sustainable energy technologies.
Interdisciplinary
The topic of sustainable energy systems requires a wide range of disciplines to be considered together in an interdisciplinary way. To tackle the complex challenges relating to sustainability a scientific understanding of the biophysical environment is required, as well as an appreciation of the human values that underpin our unsustainable ways of living. Addressing future energy will require some understanding of the societal dimensions of sustainable living as well as an understanding of future technological innovations.
Subject specific skills
The ability to critique current practice and its limitations as well as new and advanced developments at the forefront of sustainable energy systems.
An understanding of the origin and nature of sustainable energy resources, the assessment of their ability to meet our future energy demands, and the design of sustainable energy systems.
Transferable skills
Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize energy solutions
Apply problem solving skills
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering and sustainable energy systems
Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 2 hours (13%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Private study | 60 hours (40%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Independent private study to include background reading and preparation for lectures/seminars.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Individual presentation | 20% | 20 hours | No |
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In-module presentation |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Written report | 80% | 40 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Post-module assignment |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback will be given as appropriate to the assessment type:
- verbal formative feedback on presentations and report,
- written summative feedback on Post-module assignment.
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
-
TCHA-F764 Postgraduate Taught Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change
- Year 1 of F764 Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change
- Year 1 of F76A Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science)
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F764 Postgraduate Taught Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change