Aims

The aim of the Renewable Energy Resources and Technology Module is to introduce primarily non-engineering students to a range of renewable energy technologies available.
The module will also provide students from a non-engineering background with an awareness of technological, economic, environmental and resource aspects of a range of renewable energy technologies.

This module will focus on sources of biomass and the range of technologies available for conversion into energy in the form of heat, power and transport fuel. Students will also learn about the photovoltaic technology, including cell and system operation, the range of applications currently addressed and implementation aspects both technical and non-technical.

Outline Of Syllabus

1.Biomass and biofuel resources, policy and potential contribution to EU & UK targets (PEB)
2.Biomass heat and CHP - technologies, economics and environmental benefits (PEB)
3.Biofuels - 1st & 2nd generation technologies, economics and environmental benefits (PEB & DR)
4.Solar Resources (NP)
5.PV cell, module and system design, manufacture and performance (NP)
6.PV applications and implementation, economics and environmental benefits (NP)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Pre-school material is delivered to students via Blackboard. The intensive school then builds upon and develops this information using a combination of lectures and seminars/tutorials and visits.
The post school assignment allows students to develop a deeper understanding of a particular technology. Subject specific, cognitive and communication skills will be developed during the formal lectures, seminars and guided independent study material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Subject specific, cognitive and communication skills will be assessed through both the written examination and the assignment. The other key skills will not be assessed but students will need to utilise these skills in order to access the self-guided material and prepare for the assignment.

The post school assignment allows students to develop a deeper understanding of a particular biomass conversion technology. Knowledge and understanding will also be assessed via the unseen written examination.

In order to pass the module, students must attain a minimum of 40 in each component of assessment. Failure to reach 40 in each component will result in a module mark no greater than 49. This rule has been introduced as an accreditation requirement on the Reflex or REEM programmes.