Course Code and Title: RENT 6012 – Advanced Solar Energy

Semester and Level: Semester II

Pre -requisites: PHYS 6295 Solar Energy Conversion

Credits: 3

Mode of Delivery:  Blended 

 

  1.  Course Description

Building on Solar Energy Conversion, this course aims to cover in considerable depth (a) the semiconductor physics and technology involved in the design and manufacture of state of the art photovoltaic devices, (b) the design of photovoltaic components and systems, (c) advanced solar thermal applications. 

 

  1. Course Evaluation: 100% Coursework
  • 2 Laboratory assignments       35%    
  • 1 research project                    15%
  • 2 Assignments                         50%

 

  1.  Rationale

This will enable students to design simple PV systems and solar thermal systems.   Students should have an understanding of the technology and economics of the manufacturing processes associated with the production of PV cells. One of the highlights of the course will be the design and analysis of a PV system by students via a software based laboratory.

  1.  Course Aims
  • Understand the heat transfer characteristics for flat plate collectors.
  • Detailed understanding of the underlying semiconductor physics of solar PV systems.
  • Estimate conversion efficiencies of new PV materials, based on the underlying semiconductor physics.
  • Estimate the cooling load requirement for the design of solar assisted/based air-conditioned or refrigerated spaces
  • Use industry standard software to simulate the operations of solar energy systems.
  • Evaluate the economics of solar energy systems.

 

  1.  Course Learning Outcomes

            On completion of this course, the graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply advanced solar thermal principles to passive solar design.
  2. Use the heat transfer characteristics for flat plate collectors to determine the heat absorbed by solar thermal systems.
  3. Use solar radiation data and the heat transfer characteristics of walls and glazing to determine the heat gain in different rooms.
  4. Explain the detailed underlying semiconductor physics of solar PV systems
  5. Estimate conversion efficiencies of new PV materials, based on the underlying semiconductor physics.
  6. Design a PV system for a specific load application.
  7. Estimate the cooling load requirement for the design of solar assisted/based air-conditioned or refrigerated spaces
  8. Discuss the various cooling cycles, identify appropriate system components and apply appropriate scientific principles and methodology to solar (or solar assisted) cooling
  9. Discuss new applications of solar energy systems to agriculture and desalination, and new technologies of PV systems.
  10. Use industry standard software to simulate the operations of solar energy systems.
  11. Evaluate the economics of solar energy systems.
  12. Communicate analyses via concise written reports.

 

  1. Course Content/Syllabus

Topics include the following: Physics and design of PV devices; Manufacturing and application; Advanced solar thermal; Solar cooling; PV technology, PV system design and Applications.

 

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