Renewable Energy Systems
| Module title | Renewable Energy Systems |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENE2009 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Faryal Khalid (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module is intended to introduce you to key renewable energy technologies and renewable energy resources prior to selecting the Year-3 technology specific modules. It will complement the practical Discipline Group Challenge Project, providing the theoretical knowledge underpinning the technology design process applied in the challenge project.
You will be introduced to key industry software tools such as solar energy simulation software to support preliminary site feasibility, system design and performance estimates.
The module will utilise local visits to showcase the technologies studied, making use of Cornwall’s extensive solar, wind, geothermal and marine energy sites and testing facilities.
The module can be taken by the non-specialist with a general background in physics/mathematics.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to introduce concepts of energy and renewable energy sources, providing background understanding of renewable resources and technologies to enable students to study the in-depth specialist technology modules offered in Year 3.
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes (www.engc.org.uk/ahep). The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes taught and assessed on this module are specified by the codes below.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics and engineering principles (C2)
- 2. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts (C7)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems (C3)
- 4. Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate (C5)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences (C17)
Syllabus plan
- Solar Photovoltaics: system design, site characteristics, simulation techniques, site feasibility assessment
- Renewable Heat: range of solutions available, scope and limitations, relative stage of development
- Hydropower: turbine types, system design, site assessment, calculations
- Offshore energy: range of device designs, site selection, performance estimation
- Wind energy: wind resource calculations, basic aerodynamics, basic turbine technology and small turbines
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 110 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 30 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 6 | IT workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 4 | Field trips |
| Guided Independent Study | 110 | Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar design exercise | In-class workshop (2 hours) | 3-4 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 50 | 1.5 hours | 1-2 | Tutor meeting |
| Coursework | 50 | 3000 words equivalent | 2-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination (1.5 hours, 50%) | 1-2 | Referral/deferral period |
| Coursework | Coursework (3000 words equivalent, 50%) | 2-5 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
• Boyle, G., Everett, B., Ramage, J., Energy Systems and Sustainability, OUP, 2003. 000-0-199-26179-2
• Boyle, G., Renewable Energy: power for a sustainable future, Open University Press, 2012. 0-199-26179-2
• Scheer, H., A Solar Manifesto, James & James, 2004. 1 902916 24 7
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
• Mackay, David J.C., Renewable Energy Without the Hot Air, 2008, UIT, ISBN: 0954452933. PDF available from http://www.withouthotair.com
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | ENE1001 Renewable Energy Systems 1 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 09/03/2024 |
| Last revision date | 12/08/2025 |
