Module: Physics of Renewable Energy

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Physics of Renewable Energy
Module Code	PS218 (ITS) / PHY1037 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Gaughran
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

Students will be introduced to the concept of energy and the fundamental physics around it through a range of lectures. These demonstrations will also introduce the concepts of energy storage, efficiency, conversion and sustainability. An overview is given of issues surrounding sustainable energy for future generations. In particular, emphasis of the background physics is given of solar cells and wind power technology and their applications as well.

Learning Outcomes

1. understand and work with general energy concepts such as consevation, transfer and efficiency
2. understand and work with the basic thermodynamic laws of nature
3. explore in deeper detail the physics behind the solar and wind energy resources
4. review the current status of the renewable energy technology

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Core Material
Tutorial	6	Problems solutions
Independent Study	89	Study, project work, presentation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Electric power
Electric power generation and distribution

Basics of thermodynamics
Application of thermodynamic laws to power production

Fluid mechanics
Essentials of fluid mechanics as applied to power generation

Radiation theory
Application of radiation theory to power generation

Photovoltaic cells
Basic properties and limitations of photovoltaic cells

Wind power
Use of wind power to generate electricity

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	In-class CA Test	10%	Week 6
In Class Test	In-class CA test	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Volker Quaschning: 0, Understanding Renewable Energy Systems,
John Twidell and Tony Weir: 0, Renewable Energy Resources,
Aldo Vieira da Rosa: 0, Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes,

Other Resources

None