Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ENGI48015: Renewable Energy Technologies

Department: Engineering

ENGI48015: Renewable Energy Technologies

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap
Tied to H1KA09
Tied to H1KD09
Tied to H1KG09
Tied to H1KF09
Tied to L6K907

Prerequisites

  • <If other modules, please enter module code using 'Right Click, Insert module_code' or enter module title>

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview and describe the characteristics of the major renewable energy technologies.
  • To explain the working principles of systems for the major renewable energy technologies.
  • To explain the technical, as well as economical, constraints and solutions of renewable energy technology.

Content

  • The Renewable Energy Technology Landscape
  • Wind turbine design and operation
  • Wind farm design and operation
  • Off-shore and on-shore wind
  • Thermal renewables

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An appreciation and technical understanding of the physics of wind turbine and wind farm operation.
  • A knowledge and understanding of the differences and challenges of operating wind turbines offshore.
  • An understanding of the modelling techniques used to design renewable energy technologies and an appreciation of their capabilities and limitations.
  • A knowledge of trends and developments in the areas of renewable energy technologies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by self-learning sessions and formative problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
  • Students can make use of staff "office hours" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Students will be required to submit formative problem sheets throughout the academic year into the virtual learning environment to check their understanding as the course progresses.
  • Students will be formed into study groups and will attend timetabled self-learning sessions (up to a maximum of two) during the Michalemas and Epiphany terms.
  • A benchmark test will take place at the start of the academic year. This will be used to guage students understanding and direct them to further study as appropriate.
  • A mock exam will take place in the Epiphany term. This will be used to provide students with an exam type experience in a formative setting and allow them to discuss their performance with a member of academic staff.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Benchmark Test 1 Completed during Induction Week 30 mins 0.5
Lectures 20 Typically 1 per week 1 hour 20
Revision Leacture 1 1 hour 1
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign-up sessions Up to 1 hour 12
Self learning session 2 Throughout first two terms 3 hours (includes 1 hour preparation to be completed before attending the session) 6
Practice Exam 1 Epiphany Term 30 mins 0.5
Preparation & reading 110
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written on-campus examination 2 hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided by means of formative problem sheets, benchmark test and mock examinations.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University