Sustainable Energy Systems

Overview

Fundamental principles, applications, and potential of key mature sustainable and renewable power sources used globally including: 1) wind power, 2) hydro power, 3) biomass, 4) solar power, and 5) nuclear energy. Other non-mature and/or less widely utilised technologies including a) wave and tidal, b) compressed air energy storage, c) geothermal, and d) energy storage will be introduced at a higher level. Current trends and perspectives on development and application of sustainable energy systems with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits.

Learning Objectives

Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering

Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed

Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems

Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards

Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems

Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts

Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct

Skills

Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems

Analyse data using appropriate techniques

Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources

Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader

Assessment

None.