Module: Physics of Renewable Energy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics of Renewable Energy
Module Code	PHY1037 (ITS: PS218)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20894	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Gaughran	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	In-class CA Test	10%	Week 6
In Class Test	In-class CA test	10%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None