KD4011 - Fundamentals of Energy Systems

Since this is a project-oriented design-based learning module, a range of learning and teaching approaches are used. You will be learning about how to complete a project for designing a basic energy system through lectures, seminars and laboratory activities. Lectures are used to explain fundamental physical and engineering principles in addition to the underlying mathematics. Seminars are used to cover a range of example design problems, which are heavily used to illustrate key design concepts and develop valuable problem-solving abilities. These examples become increasingly relevant to practical applications as the module progresses. During the first seven weeks of the laboratory sessions, you will work in small groups (minimum 3 and maximum 5 students per group) to validate different components of the energy system before putting all these together to complete the project over the remaining five weeks. You will also have the opportunity to work in a group with specific individual roles related to the project activities. You will receive both formative and summative feedback during lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions.

In addition to lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to discuss specific academic matters with the module team which operates an open-door policy. Laboratory sessions also provide an informal environment in which you can engage with the module team individually or in small groups. Laboratory work typically occurs in small groups and you have the opportunity to benefit from discussions with your peers in addition to the module team.

Throughout the module, you will gain practical skills which are essential for subsequent levels and future work in the energy industry.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a broader understanding of the concepts related to energy systems (AHEP4, C1)
2. Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles applied in energy systems (AHEP4, C1)
3. Describe the underlying principles which govern the operation of major energy generation technologies in industry (AHEP4, C3)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Solve design problems and validate these in labs to complete the design of a basic and complete energy system (AHEP4, C6, C13, M6, M13)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct while working in a group to achieve a common goal AHEP4, C11, M11)

SUMMATIVE
1. Part A - Coursework (CW) Final Report based on Design Problem Solving Tasks (70%) – LO2, LO4, LO5
2. Practical (PRE) Project Validation (30%) – LO1, LO3,


FORMATIVE
1. Lectures - LO1, LO2, LO3
2. Seminars- LO4, LO5


The coursework component is a group report worth 70% of the module. Within this report each team member needs to provide a statement of their contribution to the team. The individual contribution will be counted towards 60% of this component. This means that 60% of the total obtained mark for this assessment will be individualised and remaining 40% will be the same for all group members.
The second component is a group presentation worth 30% of the module, in which each team member must present their individual contribution to the team, with 60% of the marks obtained for individual contribution to the presentation and 40% coming from the overall group presentation.
The practical project validation requires you to fully justify the design. Final report needs to incorporate the findings from the theoretical design and practical validations.
Ongoing feedback will be provided during the scheduled weekly activities, which will assist you to improve your level of understanding.

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Energy is an integrated part of the society and the development of the modern society highly relies on the energy. There have been ongoing concerns on the effective management and utilisation of energy from different sources, as the energy prices are consistently increasing. The challenges are also arising from the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, which are crucial to achieve net zero emissions. Electrical and electronic engineers play a very important role to ensure the cost-effective operation and management of energy systems. In this module, you will have the opportunity to gain fundamental technical knowledge on different aspects of energy system, including the associated physical and mathematical principles. You will also develop skills to design simple energy systems by considering different operating scenarios. You will be able to validate the principles and designs in the lab, which will also provide you hands-on experience and assist you to build confidence for working in the energy industry.