Course detail

Selected Topics in Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storage

FEKT-BOZUAcad. year: 2017/2018

The course deals with current problems in the field of renewable energy sources, focusing on practical information and experience with various sources of electricity, such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and even biomass energy. A considerable amount of attention is focused on the possibility of storing electrical energy, introducing different types of accumulation, working principles and a comparison between the pros and cons. The course also includes information on practical use in hybrid electric vehicles, island systems and hydrogen economy.
During laboratory tests the students can obtain practical information based on testing and simulating the studied topics.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Students will get basic theoretical and practical knowledge from the fields of renewable energy sources and energy storage. With this knowledge, they will be able to competently analyze and design solutions in these fields. Students will be able to design a simple autonomous photovoltaic system, project appropriate positions for wind and hydroelectric power plants, explain the function of a heat pump or design an appropriate energy storage system. Students will be theoretically prepared for following courses dealing with renewable and alternative energy sources.

Prerequisites

The course is designed as introduction to the topic of renewable energy sources and energy storage. There is no need to any other prerequisites, knowledge obtained during secondary (middle) school is sufficient. The student should have basic skills in field of physics and mathematics.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the way that given course is regulated, and they are described in Article 7 of the study and examination regulations of BUT.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

The theoretical test consisting of knowledge from laboratory exercises is awarded 10 points maximum. Students can get another 30 points maximum for all correctly and fully elaborated laboratory tasks. Minimal extent of elaborated laboratory tasks and other conditions needed for successful completion of the course are stated in the announcement issued by the supervisor of the course each year. The final exam is awarded 60 points maximum

Course curriculum

Outline of lectures
1. Wind energy
2. Solar energy
3. Water energy
4. Earth's core energy
5. Biomass energy
6. Energy storages
7. Combined hybrid nitrogen system
8. Electric energy in RAPS applications
9. Hybrid electric vehicles
10. Energy storage with help of flywheel and compressed air
11. Energy storage with help of supercapacitors and SMES systems
12. Utilization of low potential thermal residual energy

Outline of laboratory exercises
1. Introduction into laboratory exercises
2. The frequency response and spectrum of PV module
3. VA characteristics of PV module at different intensities of light
4. Accumulation of electric energy using flywheel
5. Accumulation of thermal energy in the form of sensible and latent heat
6. Combinations and electrical efficiency of supercapacitors, supercapacitors energy utilization
7. Small water wheel generator
8. Power efficiency of small wind turbine
9. Use of the thermoelectric phenomenon for energy acquisition
10. Verification od Beketov's metal series
11. Energy of compressed gas
12. Heat pump systems

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with basics of renewable energy sources and energy storage, the course will provide necessary knowledge and infromation for relating advance course. The students will be introduced into theoretical basics utilizing the energy of wind, sun, water and its conversion to electric energy, generally energy harvesting. After the course the students will obtaind knowlage about energy harvesting and storage with help of electrochemical power sources.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The content, forms and conditions for course passing will be specified by rules and regulations which are released by the lecturer responsible for the course and keep updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Vojtěchovský, K., Obnovitelné zdroje energie, FCC Public, Praha (CS)

Recommended reading

Dell, R.M.a Rand, D.J., Clean energy, Athenaeum Press Ltd, UK (EN)
Boyle, G., Renewable Energy, Oxford University Press, USA (EN)
Quaschning, V., Understanding Renewable Energy Systems, Earthscan Publications Ltd., USA (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme EEKR-B Bachelor's

    branch B-MET , 2. year of study, summer semester, optional specialized

  • Programme EEKR-CZV lifelong learning

    branch ET-CZV , 1. year of study, summer semester, optional specialized