Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Electricity is a convenient form of energy for meeting many of society's energy needs. Renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in providing sustainable, safe and low/zero carbon electricity supply. Maximisation of the potential of renewable energy sources requires a holistic systems approach that incorporates service needs, resource availability, conversion technologies, storage and distribution.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with a comprehensive basis for understanding the complexity of low carbon electrical energy systems to enable them to make knowledge-driven decisions about current and future energy systems. Students will learn about strategies and tools used for the identification and modelling of electrical service needs, renewable energy resource assessment and forecasting processes and information sources, and the key science and engineering of energy conversion chains from primary renewable energy sources to final electrical service. Smart and efficient energy storage and distribution systems are explored as part of this well-to-wheel supply chain analysis.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will demonstrate:

1. The ability to find, analyse and evaluate renewable energy resource assessment, mapping and forecasting information relevant to particular contexts;
2. Problem-solving, research and communication skills in the analysis and evaluation of renewable energy technology systems for a given context and the implications of the system for environmental, economic and social sustainability;
3. Evidence of analysis and application of renewable energy systems theories, concepts, knowledge and skills in contemporary real world contexts.

Content

The content of this unit covers the process of problem solving in the context of renewable energy conversion systems and associated user demand, energy storage needs and distribution systems.

1. Electricity services and planning
2. Renewable energy resource assessment and forecasting
3. Renewable energy conversion technologies and systems
4. Energy storage
5. Electricity distribution systems
6. Electricity system sustainability assessment

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be delivered in a flexible learning format, encompassing lectures (face-to-face and online), case studies, technical films/videos and student tutorials / discussion forums.

Assessment

Assessment of the unit learning outcomes consists of four formative assessments that are based on either independent work or group work. The assessment items allow you to demonstrate your technical knowledge in the topic, problem-solving skills and proficiency in a range of communication genre representative of real world situations.You will receive informal verbal feedback on their progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Written feedback will be provided with each assessment item.

Assessment name: Annotated Bibliography
Description: Bibliography of renewable energy resource mapping and forecasting models, data bases and software.
You will identify and summarise the key features, benefits and limitations of renewable energy resource models for a particular region or country. You will provide both a written and oral report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 3

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Pre-feasibility assessment of renewable energy system.
Using appropriate renewable energy assessment software and other sources, conduct a pre-feasibility assessment of a renewable energy system for a given context.
Individual or group activity (student option).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Debate
Description: Public Debate: Not in my backyard!
You will take on the role of a particular stakeholder in a hypothetical community and present your views on a proposed renewable energy power station at a public meeting.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Final exam.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

The main text for this course is Clean Energy Project Analysis: RETScreen Engineering & Cases Textbook. This text is available for free download from www.retscreen.net .

The main software used in this course is RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software, available as a free download from www.retscreen.net .

Other resource materials used in this course will be predominantly online resources:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (2011)
International Energy Agency (IEA) Renewable Energy Technologies: Solar Energy Perspectives (to be published late 2011)
International Energy Agency (IEA) Technology Roadmaps: PV Technology Roadmap, May 2010
International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy Technology Perspectives 2010 - Scenarios & Strategies to 2050.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Mar-2012