Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Renewable Energy Systems
Reference EN3571 Version 5
Created March 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved May 2017 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the knowledge of various renewable energy resources, their environmental impact and the basic principles underlying the physical and technological design and use of renewable energy systems for power generation in our modern society.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explain, in principle, how to assess the resources available from alternative energy sources.
2 Develop an understanding of physical and technological factors affecting the design of various renewable energy systems.
3 Use appropriate numerical techniques relevant to the design and assessment of renewable energy technologies in terms of their potential to contribute towards power generation.
4 Understand the environmental impacts and main factors that determine the role of alternative energy sources in regional, national and worlds sustainable energy supply systems.

Indicative Module Content
Renewable energy introduction: resources, environmental impacts, resources, energy consumption, regional, national and global targets. Wind power: the resource, energy and power in the wind, components of a wind turbine, aerodynamics and blade design, turbine control strategies, electrical energy production, environmental impact, commercial development. Biomass and biofuels: extracting the energy; agricultural residues, energy from refuse, energy crops; environmental benefits and impact. Wave power: resource assessment, generation and factors affecting generation, types, sea states, measuring waves, wave energy converters: components, classification, types, performance; wave scaling. Tidal power: resource assessment, generation and factors affecting generation, types, tidal patterns, tidal turbines, operation, types, performance; tidal barrages. Solar power: solar radiation spectrum; photovoltaics; principles, types and electrical characteristics; remote and grid connected systems, BIPV systems; economics and environmental impact.

Module Delivery
Full-time students: This module is delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials. It will be supported by practical examples and activities including computer based laboratory exercises. Part-time students: This module is delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials online. It will be supported by online evening sessions. Assessments will be held online.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 40
Non-Contact Hours 110 110
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Modelling design problem.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 comprises of 100% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of stage 2
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Twidell, J.W. and Weir, A.D., 2015. Renewable Energy Resources, 3rd ed. Florence: Taylor and Francis
2 Narbel P.A., Hansen J.P., Lien J.R., 2014. Energy Technologies and Economics. Cham: Springer
3 MacKay, D.J.C, 2009. Sustainable energy- without the hot air, Cambridge: UIT
4 Ptasinski, K.J., 2016. Efficiency of Biomass Energy: An Exergy Approach to Biofuels, Power, and Biorefineries. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781