Module overview
The module provides an understanding of general energy concepts and how to apply energy related techniques gained through specialist courses to every-day situations. We will also take a look at the energy flows around our planet and consider issues such as the greenhouse effect. Questions that will be discussed in this course include:
- How do we use energy?
- How long will fossil fuels last?
- What are the principal barriers to hydrogen economy?
- How do we select the optimum energy mix?
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse environmental impact of energy technologies
- Examine fossil fuel depletion by Hubbert's theory
- Discuss the radiative balance of the Earth using a simple model
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Historical evolution of energy production and usage and the link to economic development
- A general introduction to solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and ocean energy
- Fuel cycles and link to environmental impact
- Origins of the renewable energy sources based on energy flows around the Earth
- Exploitation of fossil fuel resources
- Alternative energy systems such as hydrogen economy
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 The students apply engineering principles based on mathematics to solve complex problems related to Earth's energy balance (pressure, deformation) or material properties for green H2 generation. C2 Similar to C2, but students have to analyse various approaches using math/engineering principles; for example, to assess the best way to reduce CO2 emissions. C3 Problems related to Sun's energy can be solved by various approaches. Students have to select the one which is feasible and assess its limitations. C4 Students must evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems. As an examples, they are required to evaluate sources to enter actual data of energy consumption as the filed is evolving rapidly. C5 About 1/5 of exam deals with evaluation of local steps improving sustainability and their positive and adverse impacts. C15/M15 Wider societal and economics aspect is assessed in several questing dealing with local impact of net-zero activities, such as the effect of EV transition. C18 Two coursework require significant self-learning activity, as they venture far beyond lectures’ content. Students have to look for information, validate it and select optimum approaches to solve the problems. C16 Individual vs collective approach is tested in coursework, where the collaboration of students teams is encouraged.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical techniques to real-life situations
- Develop analytical skills based on observed data
Syllabus
This module consists of four themes:
(1) Energy and the urban environment: Energy usage in industrial society: Historical introduction. Sankey diagram, energy sectors. Integration. CHP, energy in the built environment.
(2) Hydrogen and photovoltaics: Hydrogen economy. Properties, sources and methods of production and storage of hydrogen. Examples of automotive applications of hydrogen as a fuel. Introduction to photovoltaics.
(3) Earth energy flows: Radiative energy balance of the Earth, the greenhouse effect. The global circulation of air in the atmosphere.
(4) Fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear power: A brief overview of renewables: Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and ocean energy. Fossil fuels – perspective, impact. Nuclear power sources – fission and fusion.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
Lecture, Supervision and Seminars (if speakers available), and revision which develop the themes described in this module.
Learning activities include
- Individual study of social, environmental or economic aspects of energy.
- Discussions during/after lectures and seminars.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 64 |
| Lecture | 28 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Revision | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air.
Course resources on Blackboard.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 20% |
| Final Assessment | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External