Module Details
| Module Code: |
INTR8036 |
| Title: |
Solar Energy Systems
|
|
Long Title:
|
Solar Energy Systems
|
| NFQ Level: |
Advanced |
| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 ) |
| Field of Study: |
5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
|
| Module Description: |
This module includes a study of the energy processes and heat transfer fundamentals involved in the utilisation of solar energy. An evaluation of material properties and future materials are explored (e.g. Graphene). The application of solar energy in solar heating, daylighting, and solar electricity generating technology including solar photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal power stations are evaluated. The suitability of a site for a specific solar technology is determined and a case study is developed.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| # |
Learning Outcome Description |
| LO1 |
Undertake a critical evaluation of the appropriate utilization and selection of components of solar energy systems for different solar resources taking into account the scale, type and variability of the system load profile. |
| LO2 |
Complete a detailed design and simulation of a solar photovoltaic system with consideration of the impact of shading, and the requirements for grid connection and planning issues, using a range of industry standard software. |
| LO3 |
Evaluate appropriate theoretical heat transfer processes and hence develop system models to determine the operational performance of solar energy equipment under varying conditions. |
| LO4 |
Complete a critical review of a solar energy technology in terms of the applied theory, current marketplace trends and competitor analysis, scalability issues and risk assessment and present your findings. |
| Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
|
| 11829 |
INTR7009 |
Thermofluids 3 |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
|
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
|
| No requirements listed |
| Indicative Content |
|
Solar Energy - Principles and Solar Heat Transfer
Applications of heat transfer, thermal resistance networks, transient heat transfer, properties of radiation, solar radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, radiative properties of materials, Radiative Heat Transfer, Passive Solar Applications.
|
|
Solar Thermal Technologies
Solar thermal collectors, flat plates, ETCs, concentrators (CSP), performance, energy balance, selection of materials.
|
|
Solar Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic Effect, review of materials, cell types, cell performance, module properties, fabrication, siting issues, power output and integration, EIA.
|
|
Solar Computer software utilization and evaluation
Use of solar software tools, T-Sol, PV-Sol, RETScreen, PV-GIS.
|
|
Module Content & Assessment
|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% |
Assessments
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
| Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
|
The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
Theory lecture |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
| Lab |
Contact |
Software laboratory |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
| Independent Learning |
Non Contact |
Independent study |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
Theory lecture |
Every Week |
1.50 |
1.5 |
| Lab |
Contact |
Software laboratory |
Every Week |
1.50 |
1.5 |
| Independent Learning |
Non Contact |
Independent study |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
|
Module Resources
|
| Recommended Book Resources |
|---|
-
John Twidell and Tony Weir. (2015), Renewable Energy Resources, 3rd. Routledge, London, p.816, [ISBN: 9781315766416].
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Volker Quaschning. (2016), Understanding Renewable Energy Systems, 2nd. p.424, [ISBN: 1138781967].
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Incropera and DeWitt et al.. (2017), Incropera's Principles of Heat and Mass Transfer, 1st. [ISBN: 9781119382911].
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Stephen Peake. (2018), Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future, Oxford University Press, p.584, [ISBN: 9780198759751].
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
|---|
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M. Boxwell. (2012), Solar Electricity Handbook: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems, [ISBN: 9781907670282].
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Eicker U.. (2003), Solar Technologies for Buildings, Wiley, [ISBN: 9780471486374].
| | This module does not have any article/paper resources |
|---|
| This module does not have any other resources |
|---|
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