What will I learn on this module?
This module provides you with the opportunity to study the operation of the renewable energy technologies used for electricity generation, covering the aspects of resource assessment, operating characteristics, typical performance levels, economics and environmental impact. You will also consider the context of the use of renewable energy systems, including aspects relating to grid connection and enabling technologies such as storage.
The module introduces you to all the renewable technologies that can be used to generate electricity, including solar, water, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies.
How will I learn on this module?
The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, with the latter providing you with an opportunity to discuss within the class a range of issues relating to the implementation of renewable energy, both technical and non-technical. You will be provided with lecture notes and relevant reports and articles via the e-learning portal.
The module is assessed by a closed book examination (60%) and coursework in the form of an assignment (40%), for which you will provide a written report and make a short presentation to the class. Feedback on the examination will be provided to you individually and also generically to indicate where the class gave stronger or weaker answers to particular examination questions. Feedback on your assignment will be provided to you individually for both the report and the presentation, with particular emphasis on constructive advice to help you to enhance your skills. Formative feedback will be provided in the seminars to help you to develop your understanding of the module content.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In addition to the lectures and seminars, you are able to make direct contact with the module team, usually via email in the first instance, where further support is required. This allows the arrangement of ad-hoc individual or group discussions to address specific problems. You will also be regularly referred to supporting resources including relevant texts and multimedia relevant to the module. References to these resources will be made available through the e-learning portal and in lectures and seminars. Individual advice and feedback will be provided on your assignment.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Able to explain the operating characteristics of a range of new and renewable energy generation technologies.
• Able to interpret resource information in terms of system operation.
• Able to evaluate and compare the relative merits of the use of these technologies in a variety of electrical supply scenarios, including technical, economic and environmental considerations.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Able to apply analytical methods for estimating the environmental impact of renewable and other energy systems.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Able to develop and present an individual argument covering the technical and non-technical aspects of the implementation of renewable energy technologies
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Examination (60%) – KU1, KU3, ISA1
2. Written assignment and presentation (40%) – KU2, KU3, PVA1
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Course seminars – KU3
Formative feedback will be provided via class discussions in seminar sessions. Individual written feedback will be provided on both aspects of the summative assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
As an electrical engineer, you are increasingly likely to be dealing with renewable energy systems as part of your career, since they are making an important and growing contribution to the world’s energy supply, especially in relation to the issues of energy security and climate change. In this module, you will learn about the technical principles and operational impacts of the major renewable energy technologies used for the production of electricity, through a combination of lectures and group seminars. The module links to ongoing research within the University and elsewhere, to ensure that you are able consider the development of the technologies as well as their current status and understand the techniques by which renewable energy technologies are measured and assessed. This module provides you with underpinning knowledge that you can build upon throughout your career in electrical engineering.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years full-time (with advanced practice in second year)
2 other options available
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2022 or January 2023
All information on this course page is accurate at the time of viewing.
Our Campus based courses starting in 2022 and 2023 will be delivered on-campus with supporting online learning content. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to adjust the delivery of our education accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
On-campus contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with any additional restrictions, which may be imposed by the Government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. This could potentially mean increased or fully online delivery, should such restrictions on in-person contact time be required.
Our Campus based courses starting in 2022 and 2023 will be delivered on-campus with supporting online learning content. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to adjust the delivery of our education accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
On-campus contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with any additional restrictions, which may be imposed by the Government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. This could potentially mean increased or fully online delivery, should such restrictions on in-person contact time be required.
Current, Relevant and Inspiring
We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.
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