RE1H001 - Introduction to Renewable and Alternative Energy Science - | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: RE1H001
Module Title: Introduction to Renewable and Alternative Energy Science
Faculty: Faculty of Health, Sport and Science
Faculty Group: Department of Earth, Science and Environment
Faculty Sub Group:
Module Leader:
Module Team: James Reed
First Intended Intake: Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 10 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
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Module Aims

The aim of the module is to enable students to: \r
1.\tUnderstand the rational behind the use of Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources\r
2.\tRecognise the potential of Renewable and Alternative Energy as a key solution to the energy problems of the 21st Century\r
3.\tUnderstand the policy and legislative drivers associated with the use of domestic renewable energy and alternative energy\r
4.\tUnderstand the benefits and disadvantages of the key domestic scale renewable and alternative energy technologies\r

Content Summary

Climate Change\r

Students will be introduced to the underlying evidence that underpins anthropogenic climate change. This will include the history of climate change science to demonstrate the level of certainty that scientists currently have about the causes of climate change and the possible future impacts.\r

Response to Climate Change – Targets/Incentives\r

This will cover the concept of mitigation of climate change through the decarbonisation of the economy. It will focus on Governmental responses (with a focus on the Welsh Government) such as emissions targets and incentives to support those targets including ROCs, FiTs, and RHI. Students will be made aware of the microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) and it's requirements and links to the FiT and RHI.\r

Solar PV\r

A brief history of solar PV. A brief introduction into the operating principles of PV and the main types of materials used for commercially available PV cells. Introduction to installation issues surrounding PV. The UK solar resource for PV. Economics of PV in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for PV.\r

Micro-wind\r

A brief history of wind power. A brief introduction into the operating principles of micro wind and different types of device commonly employed (VAWT, HAWT). Introduction to installation issues surrounding micro-wind. The UK wind resource Economics of micro wind in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for micro-wind.\r

Solar Thermal\r

A brief history of solar thermal. A brief introduction into the operating principles of solar thermal and the main types of devices (flat plate, evacuated tube) used for commercially available solar thermal panels. Introduction to installation issues surrounding solar thermal. The UK solar resource for solar thermal. Economics of solar thermal in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for solar thermal.\r

Micro-hydro\r

A brief history of solar PV. A brief introduction into the operating principles of hydro power and run of river hydro schemes. Introduction to site development and installation issues surrounding micro-hydro schemes. The UK resource for micro-hydro with a focus on the heads of the valleys region of Wales. Economics of micro hydro in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for micro-hydro.\r

Heat pumps\r

Definitions of heat pumps, ground source (GSHP) and air source. A brief introduction into the operating principles of ground and air source heat pumps and their common uses. Introduction to installation issues surrounding GSHP. The UK resource for GSHP. Economics of heat pumps in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for Heat Pumps.\r

Bio-fuels and Bio-Energy\r

Definition of Bio-fuels and Bio-Energy. A brief introduction into the rational for the use of bio-energy and the different ways in which it can be utilised (CHP, anaerobic digestion, composting etc.) Introduction to issues surrounding the design and commissioning of bio-energy schemes. The UK bio-resource. Economics of Bio-fuels and Bio-energy in the UK. An overview of the MCS requirements for bio-fuels and bio-energy.\r

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Independent Study 66
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 4
Lecture 30
Total Hours Selected 100

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Understand the evidence for climate change
LO2 Understand the rational behind the use of renewable and alternative energy to mitigate human caused climate change
LO3 Understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the key renewable and alternative energy technologies covered by the microgeneration certification scheme.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) _Classroom test - Time constrained 1 Closed book classroom test 60 N/A 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 2 Written report 0 500 25 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 Written report 0 500 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
_Classroom test - Time constrained 1 ✘ ✘ ✔
Essay (CW) 2 ✘ ✘ ✔
Essay (CW) 1 ✘ ✘ ✔

Reading List

Where possible the most current version of reading materials are used during the delivery of this module. Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks. Reading Lists will be updated annually.Boyle G. (Edited by), (2004) Renewable Energy – Power for a sustainable future. 2nd ed. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press in association with the Open UniversityDessler A.E. and Parson E.A. (2010) The science and politics of global climate change: a guide to the debate. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University PressMacKay D. (2009) Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air. Cambridge: UTI Cambridge ltd.