Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Physics of Renewable Energy
Module Code	PS218
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Lampros Nikolopoulos Semester 2: Lampros Nikolopoulos Autumn: Lampros Nikolopoulos
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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, wind power and fuel cell 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, fuel cell and wind energy resources
4. Review the current status of the renewable energy technology

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	30	Core Material
Tutorial	6	Problems solutions
Independent learning	72	Study, project work, presentation
Total Workload: 108

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.
Basics of thermodynamics.

Essentials of fluid mechanics.
Radiation theory.

Photovoltaic cells.
Fuel cell basics.

Wind power systems.
Storage and distribution of energy.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Group project	Analytical and numerical project work	20%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List