KD4011 - Fundamentals of Energy Systems

A range of learning and teaching approaches are used in this module. Lectures and seminars are used to introduce fundamental physical and engineering principles in addition to the underlying mathematics. Example problems are heavily used to illustrate key concepts and develop valuable problem solving abilities. These examples become increasingly relevant to applications as the module progresses. You will have the opportunity to tackle problems in advance of seminar sessions which are used to review solutions in a group format. Seminars are also used to promote dialogue around the formative and summative assessments and to give feedback on performance. Laboratory work also forms an important part of the module and feedback on your laboratory notebooks is provided regularly.

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 power industry.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a broad understand of the concepts of energy and power (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. SM1m, EA1m, SM1m)
2. Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles applied in energy and power (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. SM2m)
3. Describe the underlying principles which govern the operation of major energy generation technologies in industry (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. EP6m)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Solve simple problems relating to electrical power generation, power systems and devices (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. EA1m, EA4m )

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in energy and power (UK-Spec, 3rd Ed. ET1m)

SUMMATIVE
1. Coursework (30%) – LO1, LO2
2. Examination (70%) – LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

FORMATIVE
1. Seminar problems - LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
2. Tests - LO4

The Coursework component is comprised of an assessment of your laboratory notebooks focusing on the record of engineering practice. Written feedback is provided following each laboratory session thereby enabling you to progress and improve.

Feedback on tests and the examination is provided individually and in a plenary format both written and verbally to help you improve and promote dialogue around the assessment.

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Energy and power are fundamentally important concepts in our lives. From power generation to consumer electronic devices, the race is on to drive down costs through efficiency and electrical and electronic engineers have a vital role to play. In addition to cost, we seek renewable and sustainable energy technologies amid concerns about climate change, security of supply and finite resources. In this module you have the opportunity to learn about the fundamental engineering, physical and mathematics principles that govern energy and power. This exposes you to macroscopic technology trends and places you in an excellent position to gain understanding of an industrially relevant sector. Furthermore, through key laboratory experiments you gain hands-on experience of technology that illustrates important concepts relating to energy and power.