Study information

Renewable Energy Systems - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLERenewable Energy Systems CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODEENEM101 MODULE CONVENERDr Helen Smith (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Starting with a background in current energy mix, the challenges of cutting carbon emissions and the barriers to new energy technologies this module will cover a number of renewable energy technologies from their fundamental operational principles to the latest developments. It will explore design considerations for project development and operations and maintenance. Wind, solar, marine and energy storage will be explored in detail.

A background in the fundamental principles of general engineering will be required.

 
AIMS - intentions of the module

After setting the context of the conventional energy mix the module will cover the fundamental operating principles of a range of renewable energy technologies. The history of their development, the current state of commercial deployment and the latest innovations will be covered for wind, solar, marine renewables and energy storage technologies. An overview of design and planning constraints for wind, solar and marine renewables will also be addressed.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

  1. Apply a wide-ranging mathematical and scientific knowledge to the understanding and analysis of renewable energy technologies and to resource assessment approaches (M1-FL, M2-FL);

  2. Display competence in the use of industry standard data analysis, design and modelling software and show awareness of the limitations of these techniques (M3-FL, M5-FL);

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

  1. Apply appropriate analytical and software tools for resource assessment and project development applications (M3-FL);

  2. Critically evaluate scientific literature and apply it to the engineering context (M4-FL)

  3. Assess the sustainability of renewable energy technologies and apply appropriate mitigation to minimise impacts (M7-FL)

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

  1. Synthesise data from a range of sources and draw appropriate conclusions (M2-FL, M4-FL);

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Industrial context: Existing energy systems and consequential issues including climate change, air quality and diminishing energy reserves.

Renewable energy technologies: Operational principles of wind, solar, marine, low carbon heating and energy storage technologies. State of development of each technology and future direction.

Siting of renewable technologies: Resource assessment, planning constraints, site optimisation and economic viability.

Design tools: The use of specialist industry software for identifying suitable sites, optimising layout and quantifying energy generation.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 80 Guided Independent Study 220 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category

Hours of study time

Description

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

60

Lectures

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

20

IT Workshops

Guided independent study

220

Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)

ILOs Assessed

Feedback Method

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

% of Credit

Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)

ILOs Assessed

Feedback Method

Coursework 1 

30

2500 word equivalent

4, 5, 6 

Written/audio feedback

Coursework 2

30

2500 word equivalent

2, 3, 4, 6

Written feedback

Examination

40

2 hours

1

Verbal upon request

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment

Form of Re-assessment

ILOs Re-assessed

Time Scale for Re-assessment

As above: 2 x reports, each worth 30%

2 x reports (2 x 30%)

As above

Referral/deferral period

Exam 

Exam (40%)

As above

Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

  • ELE

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Boyle, G., Everett, B., Ramage, J. Energy Systems and Sustainability OUP 2003 000-0-199-26179-2
Set Boyle, G. Renewable Energy: power for a sustainable future Open University Press 2012 0-199-26179-2
Set Scheer, H. A Solar Manifesto James & James 2004 1 902916 24 7
Set Burton, T Wind energy handbook Chichester: John Wiley 2001 0471489972
Set Goodall, C The Switch Profile Books 2016 9781781256350
CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 16th April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Renewable Energy

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.