Course Code and Title: PHYS 6295 – Solar Energy Conversion

Semester and Level: Semester I

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Anti-requisites:  None

Course Type: Core

Credits: 3

Projected Enrolment: 15

Projected Start Date: September 2023

Mode of Delivery: Blended

 

  1. Course Description

Solar Energy is the basis for other forms of renewable energy. This course therefore starts by briefly describing the main forms of renewable energy and then delves into solar energy radiation and utilisation. It describes the solar spectra and active and passive solar systems. The heat transfer characteristics are investigated and methods of estimating efficiency are outlined.

The course introduces Photovoltaics (PV) and the science of Photoelectric Effect. PV characteristic are defined and PV design, categories of PV modules, grid connection issues and economic analysis are explained.

 

  1. Course Evaluation: 100 % Coursework

The coursework will comprise:

  • 2 laboratory assignments  (15%)
  • 1 Research project            (20%)
  • 1 mid-semester exam        (15%)
  • final coursework exam       (50%)
 
  1. Rationale

Solar energy and its related technologies are currently seen as viable renewable energy technologies which can substantially aid in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and therefore aid in the global efforts to mitigate against global warming and climate change impacts.

 

  1. Course Aims

Identify the major forms of renewable energy technologies and discuss the technical and economic issues related to their use. Describe and analyze solar energy systems. Distinguish between solar thermal and solar PV. Describe harnessing techniques for solar energy. Describe the solar energy conversion techniques. Identify different materials used for PV conversion. Apply information on new PV materials to estimate conversion efficiencies. Evaluate and discuss the economics of solar energy systems. Use RETScreen for modelling solar energy systems, including feasibility studies and expected results.

 

  1. Course Learning Outcomes

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

 

  1. Identify the major forms of renewable energy technologies and discuss the technical and economic issues related to their use.
  2. Describe and analyse solar energy systems.
  3. Distinguish between solar thermal and solar PV.
  4. Describe harnessing techniques for solar energy.
  5. Describe the solar energy conversion techniques.
  6. Identify different materials used for PV conversion.
  7. Apply information on new PV materials to estimate conversion efficiencies.
  8. Outline the scientific principles and methodology involved in using solar energy for cooling.
  9. Evaluate and discuss the economics of solar energy systems.
  10. Use RETScreen for modelling solar energy systems, including feasibility studies and expected results.
  11. Communicate the results of experiments and analyses via written reports and in accordance with the solar energy industry.

 

  1. Course Content/Syllabus

Topics include the following: Solar Energy, Solar energy utilization, Photovoltaics, Wind Energy, Hydroelectricity, Biomass, Geothermal Energy, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, Wave Energy, Fuel Cells, Hydrogen, Solar radiation – Basic concepts, Geometric effects, Atmospheric effects, Solar spectrum, Solar insolation, Air mass, Solar spectra, Spectral Energy distribution, Planck’s formula, Spectral distribution of the solar constant, Wien’s law, Stefan Boltzmann law, Flat plate collectors, selective surfaces, concentrating collectors, design, construction and operating principles of a solar collector, Heat transfer across building walls, Heat transfer characteristics, Efficiency of glazing/absorber system, Radiation exchange between surfaces, Mathematical analysis of a solar collector as applied to a selected unit, Mathematical modelling, Photoelectric effect, Semi-conductor Physics, Materials for PV cells, Thin Film materials, Photovoltaic cell, module, array, PV characteristics, characteristic curves, Factors influencing performance of PV cells. PV energy systems: components –generator, charge controller, battery and inverter, PV design, including Electrical and Mechanical design, Categories of PV modules: Cell types, Encapsulation materials, Substrate and Frame structure, Quantum Dots, Grid connection and Economic analysis, Applications.

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