Course Code and Title: RENT 6002 – Shaping Sustainable Energy Systems

Semester and Level: Semester I

Course Type: Core

Credits: 3

Mode of Delivery:  Online 

 

1.         Course Description

Sustainable development is the framework within which the increase in implementation of renewable technologies must be placed.  The long-term goal of the MSc Renewable Energy Technology is to equip participants with the technical expertise so they can implement projects which promote self-sufficiency and sustainable development of the region. In this course, students will learn to differentiate between the competing models of sustainable development and to identify the major requirements and barriers to sustainable development of an energy system. Teaching will consist of lectures, training using the EnergyPLAN software, and tutorials in order to provide students with ample opportunities and methods for engaging with the course material. Various methods of assessment will be used during the course.

 

2.         Course Evaluation: 100% Coursework
  1. Assessment 1 – Case Study Presentation                  20%
  2. Assessment 2 – Coursework Exam/Quiz                    20%
  3. Assessment 3 – EnergyPLAN Project                         50%
  4. Assessment 4 – Discussion Forum                             10%

 

3.         Rationale

As countries seek to increase renewable energy technologies into the existing energy system, a delicate balance to ensure development that meets the energy needs of the present and the future without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As such, a thorough assessment of the existing energy system, how the system is expected to evolve in the future and how new technologies will interact with the entire system is a necessary analysis prior to implementation.

 

4.         Course Aims
  • To analyse in detail, relevant present and future energy systems for properties relevant to sustainable development.
  • To critically assess the advantages and disadvantages of different energy systems.
  • To make informed decisions about future energy scenarios and evaluate the technical implications of planning, legal and economic systems.
  • To use the EnergyPLAN software to design an efficient and sustainable energy system for a country.

 

 

5.         Course Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Analyse relevant present and future energy systems for properties relevant to sustainable development.
  2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of different energy systems according to the course standards.
  3. Make informed decisions about future energy scenarios.
  4. Evaluate the technical implications of planning, legal and economic systems.
  5. Solve conceptual and numerical problems to aid in designing sustainable energy solutions.
  6. Develop project management skills in executing a group project.
  7. Demonstrate competence in problem solving, analytical thinking, conflict solving skills and project organising skills.
  8. Use the EnergyPLAN model to optimise the operation of an existing or new energy system given user inputs and constraints.
  9. Formulate sustainable energy solutions for several future scenarios considering technical, economic and other constraints and international standards.
  10. Collaborate within a team to evaluate energy solutions.
  11. Communicate an analysis of a complex energy systems problem and recommendations for the system via a written report.

 

 

6.         Course Content/Syllabus

Topics include the following: Sustainable Energy Systems & Economics; Technological Change, Innovation & Feasibility; Regional Energy Planning, Energy Systems Analysis, Trinidad & Tobago Sustainable Energy & Renewable Energy Profile, Data for Energy Planning, Some Thoughts on Planning, Energy Policies, Scenario Formulation, Scenario Formulation Global, Regional and National Scenarios and Innovative Feasibility Studies.

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