Offering Information
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Course Team
Byrenn Birch
Summary
Over the next decade or so, environmental concerns plus the depletion of the world's fossil fuel reserves accentuated by the industrialisation of developing countries, are going to force a reshaping of our use of energy. This course prepares the student to play an informed and constructive part in that reshaping… For more content click the Read More button below.
SynopsisStudents will investigate the wide range of renewable energy resources available to society and how engineers can implement them. Transitioning from fossil fuels to biofuels is an important component because many processes require the output of combustion to function efficiently; the inherent challenges involved are studied. Solar power is so abundant that it could easily satisfy the world's energy needs if storage and transmission challenges are overcome; how solar energy can be used for photo-voltaic or thermal applications is examined. The design considerations for harnessing wind and hydro energy are explored. The key issue of storing renewable energy when there is an over-abundance so that it can be supplied when there is insufficient is studied along with how the energy can be distributed to society. Some of the other forms of renewable energy which an engineer can utilise will also be studied.
Requisites
Course Pre-requisites
Other Requisites or Enrolment Rules
Other
Offerings
Trimester 2
OL-TWMBA-TR2
ON-TWMBA-TR2
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
1.
analyse renewable energy systems using appropriate tools from the fields of thermofluids, heat transfer, and dynamics;
2.
critically compare and contrast various renewable energy systems utilised for each renewable energy resource; and
3.
evaluate the potential of renewable energy technologies as a replacement for fossil fuel combustion energy technologies.
- Ethics: No differentiation in this characteristic
- WK09:
- WK08:
- Ethics: Understanding and level of practice
- Engineering Knowledge: Breadth, depth and type of knowledge, both theoretical and practical
- Lifelong learning: Duration and manner
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Lifelong learning: Preparation for and depth of continuing learning. No differentiation in this characteristic
- Project Management and Finance: Level of management required for differing types of activity
- The Engineer and the World: Level of knowledge and responsibility for sustainable development
Topics
Introduction and social implications
Solar energy
Reacting flows
Biofuels
Wind energy
Hydro energy
Ocean thermal energy & geothermal
Energy storage and distribution
Assessments
Assessment due dates (as listed in Week Due) are indicative until finalised by the end of Week 1 for each Study Period (Offering). After Week 1, Assessment due dates may change with the approval of the Dean (Academic) or Delegate in limited circumstances. All Assessment due date changes approved after Week 1 will be communicated to students accordingly via Handbook and StudyDesk.