KB7071 - Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the theory and application of the technology of wind, photovoltaic and hybrid renewable energy conversion systems. These technologies will be introduced such that their fundamental principles allow system design to be defined and performance optimised. Topics covered will be selected such that both stand-alone and hybrid systems may be specified, for example:
• Renewable resources, their characteristics and stochastic modelling
• Wind turbines: components and performance measures, conceptual design, structural loads, blade and tower structural design considerations, operation and control
• Aerodynamics of wind turbines: blade element momentum theory, blade aerodynamic design
• Photovoltaic: conversion theory and technology, sizing and design considerations
• Storage systems: power and cost modelling
• Hybrid systems: power, cost and reliability/availability analyses and system architecture design for various configurations including wind, PV, battery, diesel and fuel cell

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will allow you to engage with and appraise specialist knowledge and assist you in exploring and critiquing key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to complex and authentic engineering problems.?A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and analyse solutions to complex challenges in relevant subject areas. Learning activities will enable the facilitation of creative thinking approaches to solve open-ended engineering problems.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

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. 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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems in Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems. (M1)



MLO2. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems. (M4)


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:




MLO3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (M3)


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions, evaluating data using science and engineering principles, working with uncertain or incomplete information, discussing the technical limitations. (M2)



MLO5. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and nontechnical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. (M17)

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessments


Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any improvements required to meet the MLOs.



Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment



Component 1. Coursework 001 (30%)
This component includes tasks such as technical literature research and computational and analytical modelling work on the core subject in a written report (2500 words or equivalent). It will assess MLOs 1, 2, 3


Component 2. Coursework 002 (70%)
This component requires students to conduct a set of research tasks and complete with a technical report (3500 words or equivalent) which will assess MLOs 1, 4 and 5.


Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP within 20 working days of the date of submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the theories and principles relating to wind turbines and photovoltaics, and the design and sizing of standalone and grid-connected hybrid renewable energy systems. On completion of this module, the student will be able to conduct essential calculations for the analysis of aerodynamic, mechanical and structural components of wind turbines. In addition, the student will be able to carry out conceptual and system-level design for hybrid renewable energy systems. Learning and teaching will be carried out through lectures and workshops, in which students use the state-of-the-art of the software tools and work on their wind turbine design and hybrid renewable energy system design projects.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 16 months Full Time

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start January 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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