Renewable Energy

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Admission to a Masters level program and ENGR90029 Analysing Energy Systems or equivalent.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the science and technology of a broad range of renewable energy technologies including -

• Overview of the fundamental physics of motion involved in energy in wind, water and waves
• Overview of the fundamental physics of solar radiation
• Technical details of wind and tidal turbines, hydro and wave power systems
• Technical details of photovoltaic cells and concentrating solar power systems
• Overview of the chemistry and technologies for biomass for heat and electricity and liquid biofuels
• Systems for integrating renewables and managing variability such as storage and demand-side management.

Upon completion of the subject the student will be able to -

• Accurately describe the technical details of a broad variety of renewable energy technologies
• Describe the renewable energy resources in Australia and internationally
• Discuss the relative merits of the different technologies in terms of cost, variability and technical constraints

Write-ups of practical assignments (5 over the semester at 500 words each) (50%) and a 2 hour end of semester exam (50%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to communicate effectively on the technical topics to both a technically trained audience and to the general public
• Understanding of the broad implications of technological change in the 21st century