Module Details

Module Code: INTR7008
Title: Solar Energy
Long Title: Solar Energy
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
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. (eg 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 suitablility 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 Appraise the components and functions of solar energy systems.
LO2 Calculate the operational performance of solar energy equipment
LO3 Evaluate the criteria required to complete a design study for a solar energy system.
LO4 Determine the efficiency of solar energy systems using appropriate equations.
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).
513 MECH6018 Thermofluids
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, Radiation properties of Materials, Radiative Heat Transfer, Passive Solar Applications.
Solar Thermal Technologies
Solar Thermal Collectors, Flat Plates, ETCs, Concentrators (CSP), Performance, Energy Balance, Materials
Solar Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic Effect, Materials, Cell Types, Cell Performance, Module Properties, Fabrication, Siting Issues, Power Output and Integration, EIA
Site Visit, Energy Lab and Computer Lab Cycle
Site visit of Solar Heating system, Solar Thermal and Solar Photovoltaic Energy Equipment Testing, Use of solar software tools, T-Sol, PV-Sol, Google Sketchup, PV-GIS.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Field Trip report and evaluation
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Solar Energy System Site Selection, Design Study and Technology Review
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Test
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Labs and Computer Labs Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Twidell and Tony Weir. (2006), Renewable energy resources, Taylor & Francis, London, [ISBN: 0419253300].
  • Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt. (2002), Fundamentals of heat and mass transfer, J. Wiley, New York, [ISBN: 0471386502].
  • Volker Quaschning. (2004), Understanding renewable energy systems, Routledge, [ISBN: 1844071286].
  • Boyle, G.. (2012), Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future, Third Edition edition. Oxford University Press, USA, [ISBN: 0199545339].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • M. Boxwell. (2013), Solar Electricity Handbook - : A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems [Paperback], [ISBN: 978-1907670282].
  • Eicker U. (2003), Solar Technologies for Buildings, 1. Wiley, [ISBN: 047148637X].
  • Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt,. (2011), Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, 7th. [ISBN: 0470501979].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • CIBSE. Sustainable Building Services.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 6 Mandatory
CR_ESUSE_7 Certificate in Sustainable Energy 1 Mandatory