Detailed module information

Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.

The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.

Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook,  for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.

Energy Systems

Module aims

The overall aims of the module are to develop understanding of energy systems, their environmental impact and possible strategies to reduce it; to develop the ability to perform life cycle analysis of energy systems to evaluate the environmental impact associated with all the stages of their life cycle; to explore the most common power and renewable energy systems; to develop understanding of the energy supply in the context of reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

ECTS = 5

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Describe the most important energy systems and their challenges.

2. Analyse the material, energy and environmental costs of a range of individual energy engineering processes.

3. Evaluate a range of key energy systems using life cycle analysis.

4. Create and evaluate engineering system strategies for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Module syllabus

  • Thermo-economics
  • Traditional power plants
  • Environmental impact of energy systems
  • Fundamentals of nuclear power
  • Fundamentals of fuel cells and batteries
  • Renewable energies
  • Life cycle analysis of energy systems

Teaching methods

Students will be introduced to the main topics through lectures (1 hour per week), supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panopto, and Blackboard). Short activities (using interactive pedagogies and/or online tools like Mentimeter) will occasionally be introduced in the classroom setting to reinforce learning and verify the understanding of the learning outcomes. You will be provided with problem solving sheets and should complete these as part of your independent study. Tutorials sessions (8 hrs in total) will provide an opportunity for interaction with teaching staff where you can discuss specific problems. Teaching material and appropriated references will be delivered before each lecture.

Assessments

Assessment details        
      Pass mark   
Grading method Numeric   50%
         
         
Assessments        
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark Must pass?
Examination 3 Hour exam 100% 50% Y

Reading list

Resources