Introductory description

This 30-CATS module, running throughout the second academic year, gives learners an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-life scenarios/work-based challenges related to design and to sustainable engineering systems. It build from foundations of product design in Y1 30-CATS module towards the system design in Y2.

The first part of the module focuses on fundamentals of sustainable systems, ISO14001 Standard and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The second part covers a few technologies not covered in the module "Sustainable Energy Systems" (such as battery storage and thermal systems) that are a part of modern sustainable systems and investigates how components' performance limitations affect the utilisation of the whole systems. The third part is a group design activity that involves applying product development process onto a sustainable system - concept generation, design and prediction of performance.

This module is linked with C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C9, C13, C15, C16, C17 of the AHEP 4.

LO1- C4, C7, C15;
LO2- C1, C4, C6;
LO3- C1, C2, C6, C7;
LO4- C1, C3, C4, C5, C6, C13;
LO5- C1, C2, C3, C6, C13;
LO6- C17;
LO7- C16.

Module web page

Module aims

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.
Regulations (ISO14001 Standard and UN SGDs).
Sustainability in an engineering company;

Sustainable technologies: solar - thermal systems, geothermal systems.
Energy storage: batteries, hydrogen systems.
Thermal systems: air-to-air, air-to-ground.

Product specifications - analysing catalogue data of sustainable components and sub-systems.
Utilisation of photovoltaic system without and with batteries.

Design of systems; project management.
Concept generation and selection of suitable sustainable technologies.
Design & utilisation of space heating systems powered by renewables.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Analyse the relationship between internal company documentation and the current legislation in context of sustainability [AHEP:4-C4, C7, C15].
• Identify limitations in product specifications from catalogue data of energy generation and energy storage devices [AHEP:4-C1, C4, C6].
• Compare the performance and the financial benefits of low-power renewable energy systems [AHEP:4-C1, C2, C6, C7].
• Apply engineering design tools and techniques to design a complex sustainable energy system that meets the requirements [AHEP:4-C1, C3, C4, C5, C6, C13].
• Evaluate the performance of the designed sustainable energy system in different conditions [AHEP:4-C1, C2, C3, C6, C13].
• Communicate the findings of your work to technical and non-technical audience [AHEP:4-C17].
• Demonstrate the ability to work as an individual or a team member to achieve shared objectives in a project of work [AHEP:4-C16].

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

• Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges (S1 in all DA standards).
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions (S2 in all DA Standards).
• Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects (S3 in all DA Standards).
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics (S4 in all DA Standards).
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and/or developmental or test evidence (S5 in all DA Standards).
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria (S6 in all DA standards).
• Identify resources required to complete projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity (S8 in ST0023 and ST0027, S9 in ST0024 and ST0025)
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements (S9 in ST0023 and ST0027, S10 in ST0024 and ST0025).
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration operational simulation (S10 in ST0023 and ST0027, S11 in ST0024 and ST0025)
• Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options (S13 in ST0027)

Transferable skills

• Sustainability: Understands the climate emergency and committed to an active contribution to a sustainable world.
• Critical Thinking: Make informed decisions on the value of a range of sources allowing an evidence based conclusion based on this analysis.
• Organisational Awareness: Understanding of business, government and third sector issues and priorities; Awareness of the responsibilities of organisations in society; Understanding organisational norms of behaviour.
• Professionalism: Prepared to operate autonomously; Aware of how to be efficient and resilient; Manages priorities and time; Self-motivated, setting and achieving goals, prioritising tasks.
• Information Literacy: Critical awareness of how information is gathered, used, managed and synthesised; Systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of information in the investigation of a topic.
• Self-awareness: Awareness of personal strengths and emotional intelligence.
• Written communication: Present arguments, knowledge and ideas, in a range of formats
• Problem solving: Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions.
• Teamwork: Operating within, and contributing to, a respectful, supportive and cooperative group climate.