| Title: | Solar Energy |
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| Long Title: | Solar Energy |
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| Field of Study: |
Interdisciplinary Engineering
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| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2013/14 ( September 2013 ) |
| Module Coordinator: |
NIALL MORRIS |
| Module Author: |
CHRISTOPHER GIBBONS |
| 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: |
| 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. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
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
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| 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.
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| No requirements listed |
Co-requisites
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| No Co Requisites listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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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.
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Solar Thermal Technologies
Solar Thermal Collectors, Flat Plates, ETCs, Concentrators (CSP), Performance, Energy Balance, Materials
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Solar Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic Effect, Materials, Cell Types, Cell Performance, Module Properties, Fabrication, Siting Issues, Power Output and Integration, EIA
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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.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Course Work |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Other |
Field Trip report and evaluation |
1,3 |
20.0 |
Week 6 |
| Written Report |
Solar Energy System Site Selection, Design Study and Technology Review |
1,2,3,4 |
60.0 |
Week 10 |
| Short Answer Questions |
Test |
1,2,4 |
20.0 |
Sem End |
| 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 institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Theory |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Lab |
Labs and Computer Labs |
2.0 |
Every Second Week |
1.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Self Study |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| 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 |
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- 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 Ed., Oxford University Press USA [ISBN: 0199545339]
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
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- 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 Ed., Wiley [ISBN: 047148637X]
- Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, 2011, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, 7th Ed. [ISBN: 0470501979]
| | Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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- CIBSE Sustainable Building Services
| | Other Resources |
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- website: www.seai.ie
- website: www.bre.org
- Website: n/a
- website: www.thevillage.ie
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Module Delivered in
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