Introduction to Renewable Energies

Overview

The objectives of the module are to provide an introduction to Renewable Energy Technologies, their applications and legislative framework. The subject is presented in weekly lectures supplemented by self-directed group work, allowing for the practical application of the presented theoretical framework. The lecture syllabus will include introductions to a variety of principle renewable energy technologies, such as wind (inland and offshore), solar, tidal and wave power as well as geothermal and biomass energy. A focus is provided on tidal energy with a 1-week course that includes theory and practical work as part of the module syllabus. The module will explore drivers for tidal and ocean currents, overview of extraction of energy from tidal power, assessment of tidal resource, measurement and analysis of flow velocity in a tidal stream environment (day trip to Queen’s University Marine Laboratory in Portaferry), environmental implications of harnessing tidal power and numerical tools to predict tidal energy resource.
Additionally, the lecture syllabus will include an introduction to the policy framework for renewable energies within the UK & Ireland. The lecture syllabus and practical will be complemented by a group project in which students will transfer the basic principles introduced during the lectures to a real-life case study example. Offshore wind (both floating and bottom-fixed) is emphasized in the lectures and group project will reflect the new technologies in the offshore wind field. Individual reports will consider the different types of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, geothermal and solar energy.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module, students should begin to understand and apply/identify:

• key concepts of renewable energy technologies
• key fundamentals of the regulatory framework for the application of renewable energy technologies
• basic criteria for the assessment of conceptual suitability of renewable energy technologies
• the complexities of marine tidal environment in particular in relation to extraction of tidal power and be able to apply this to any site around the world
• basic requirements for developing offshore wind as a leading source of energy in coming years

On completion of the module you should begin to develop the following abilities:

• transfer and apply basic principles underlying the application of renewable energy technologies to real life examples
• assess key aspects of conceptual suitability of renewable energy technologies

Skills

On completion of the module, students should have a broad appreciation of the issues and a broad recognition of the key concepts related to Renewable Energy Technologies. Students should furthermore have developed their practical skills in applying key concepts and analysis techniques to real life case study examples to allow them to formulate the results of conceptual assessments in the form of technical reports and oral presentations.

The module is aimed to enhance the following skills:

• independent learning
• transfer of theoretical concepts to problem-based applications and real life examples
• problem based and project-orientated group work
• technical report writing
• oral presentation of technical concepts

Assessment

Lectures and project work