Solar Energy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

200 hours

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

AIMS

This subject provides the application of principles of solar energy engineering. A number of solar technologies and applications methods are investigated.

This subject uses a project based learning where students work in teams to design a solar system for a particular application considering environmental, social and financial constraints. Students learn to apply the principles of solar energy and design.

Knowledge gained in this subject will allow graduates to practice in the area of renewable energy industry. The subject complements other subjects offered in the energy theme of the Department such as Energy for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

• Introduction to Solar Energy in the energy economy; Fundamental heat & mass transfer; Radiation properties of materials; and selective surfaces
• Solar Geometry and solar angles; atmospheric effects and radiation prediction; and Solar radiation measurement
• Flat plate collectors design and performance characteristic
• Concentrating collectors design and performance characteristic; Evacuated tube collectors
• Solar System design methods
• Fundamentals of photovoltaic systems
• Solar process heating
• Solar drying, Solar cookers, Green houses and Solar stills
• Solar water pumping; Solar refrigeration
• Built environment applications passive and active systems
• Solar hot water and solar heat pump systems.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Identify the potential and limitations of solar energy as an alternative source of energy
2. Analyse the distribution and variability of solar energy availability, and the limitations of solar energy devices
3. Create solar energy system designs for sustainable energy solutions.

• One 3-hour examination (50%) at the end of semester. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are addressed in the examination
• One 2000 word report (30%) due at the end of semester, requiring approximately 50 hours of work. ILOs 1 to 3 are addressed in the report
• One group task (20%) 1000 words per person, due mid semester, requiring approximately 30 hours of work per student. ILOs 1 to 3 are addressed in the group task.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems, design and operational performance
• Proficiency in engineering design
• Ability to manage information and documentation
• Capacity for creativity and innovation
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject is based on presentations by two expert lecturers and one expert industry person in the field. In addition each student prepares a group research report on a topic of their interest selected from an extensive list. Numerical problems solving based on analysis and design are investigated.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Reference books:

• John A. Duffie and William A. Beckman 2006 Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J.

• Soteris A. Kalogirou 2009 Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems [electronic resource], Elsevier/Academic Press Burlington, MA.

Journal:

• Solar Energy

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Australian Solar Energy Council