Master of Science in Renewable Energy

1. Rationale and Purpose

The global energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change, reduce dependence on finite fossil fuel resources, and achieve sustainable development goals. Wind and solar energy have emerged as the cornerstones of this transition, with solar PV accounting for nearly 80% of new renewable capacity added globally in 2024, and wind energy continuing its rapid expansion both onshore and offshore.

This module provides a comprehensive, integrated treatment of wind and solar energy systems at the master's level. It bridges the gap between fundamental physical principles and practical engineering applications, incorporating the latest advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics that are transforming the renewable energy sector. Students will develop the theoretical foundations, analytical skills, and computational competencies required to design, analyze, and optimize renewable energy systems for real-world applications.

2. Aims and Learning Objectives

Overall Aims

1. To develop a thorough understanding of the physical principles governing solar and wind energy conversion
2. To equip students with the analytical tools and computational methods for system design and performance prediction
3. To integrate modern AI and data analytics approaches into renewable energy system analysis
4. To enable students to critically evaluate and optimize hybrid renewable energy systems
5. To prepare students for research and professional practice in the renewable energy sector

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Analyze solar and wind resource data using statistical methods and advanced computational tools

2. Explain the physical principles underlying photovoltaic, solar thermal, and wind turbine technologies

3. Evaluate the performance of renewable energy systems using appropriate analytical frameworks

4. Critically assess the techno-economic and environmental aspects of renewable energy deployment

5. Understand the integration challenges and solutions for grid-connected and off-grid renewable systems

Cognitive and Intellectual Skills:

1. Formulate and solve problems in renewable energy system design using appropriate mathematical and computational methods

2. Apply machine learning and AI techniques to renewable energy forecasting and optimization

3. Design photovoltaic, wind turbine, and solar thermal systems for specific applications

4. Evaluate the performance of hybrid renewable energy systems using techno-economic analysis

5. Critically appraise research literature in the field

Practical Skills:

1. Use Python and specialized software (PVlib, WAsP, SAM, HOMER) for renewable energy system modeling

2. Analyze wind and solar resource data using statistical and machine learning techniques

3. Design and size renewable energy systems using appropriate methodologies

4. Prepare professional technical reports and presentations

5. Work effectively in teams on design projects

Transferable Skills:

1. Critical thinking: Evaluate complex technical problems and propose evidence-based solutions

2. Analytical reasoning: Apply mathematical and computational methods to engineering problems

3. Communication: Present technical information clearly to diverse audiences

4. Project management: Plan and execute technical projects within constraints

5. Professional development: Identify and pursue opportunities for continuous learning

3. Module Content Summary

The module is organized into seven interconnected units that build progressively from fundamentals to advanced applications:

Unit 1: Solar Resource Assessment (3 weeks)

Unit 2: Photovoltaic Systems (3 weeks)

Unit 3: Solar Thermal Systems (2 weeks)

Unit 4: Wind Resource Assessment (2 weeks)

Unit 5: Wind Turbine Design and Performance (2 weeks)

Unit 6: Hybrid Systems and Grid Integration (2 weeks)

Unit 7: AI and Data Analytics in Renewable Energy (2 weeks)

The module introduces students to basics of power system dynamics and quality of electricity supply issues and to discuss most widely used and recommended methodologies for enhancement of power system stability and quality of electricity supply.

This course presents the Integration of Renewable Energy into the grid.  Knowledge on Renewable Energy, Power Systems, Electrical Machines and Power Electronics is key in the integration engineering. 

The combustion of fossil fuels for energy leads to a negative  impact on the environment through greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and other impurities that are hazardous to human health. Renewable energy results in little or no harmful emissions, even when considering the full life cycle of the technologies. This course will introduce students to different techniques used to harvest biomass and geothermal energy resources aiming at producing electricity free from pollutants. Heat transfer, steam cycle, physical and chemical properties of combustion will also be described to introduce the application of thermodynamics in geothermal and bioelectricity generation and use.

Developing a small hydropower site is not a simple task. There are many aspects which have to be taken into consideration, covering many
disciplines ranging from business, engineering, financial, legal and administration. These will all be necessary at the different development stages from, first choosing a site until the plant goes into operation. The Course brings together these aspects in a step-by-step approach, and will serve as a useful tool for a potential developer of a hydropower scheme. This course introduces students to basics concepts, such as the definition of small hydropower, types of schemes, ways of exploiting the water resource available and gives a general overview of the guide’s contents, describe the essential steps to be followed to evaluate a proposed scheme before deciding whether to proceed to a detailed feasibility study. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to understand concepts in the theory of fluid dynamics, the hydroelectric power plant components and design and the Guide on How to Develop a Small
Hydropower Plant.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING: 
Having successfully completed this module, students should:

• Have an understanding of fluid dynamics fundamentals, including concepts of mass and momentum conservation
• Be able to apply the Bernoulli equation to solve problems in fluid dynamics
• Apply principles of fluid dynamics in wind, hydro and heating systems
• Have a good over-all knowledge of hydro-electric power plants and power houses
• Have a knowledge of the various mechanical and electrical types of hydro power equipment
• Show a good theoretical understanding of possibilities and limitations of hydro power
• Be able to evaluate, characterize and compare hydro-electric energy to other energy form

INDICATIVE CONTENT:

Unit I: Theory of fluid dynamics

Stress and strain, fluid statics, Bernoulli and Euler equations, pipe flow and turbulence in air and water, open-channel flow, unsteady flow (water-hammer), Potential energy of water (hydrology)

Unit 2: Hydroelectric power plant components and design

Components of a hydro-electric power plant, Power plant development and design, hydrodynamics for intake design, construction of dam, tunnel, penstock, Water turbines, run-off river micro hydro.
Unit 3: Guide on How to Develop a Small Hydropower Plant
Introduction, Fundamental of Hydraulic Engineering, Evaluating Stream Flow, Site Evaluation Methodologies, Overview of Hydropower Development, Design and Typical, Project Development, Site Selection, Hydrology and Energy Calculations, Permits and Licensing, Construction, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance, Environmental and Social Impact Mitigation, Capital and O&M Costs, Economics and Financial Analyses, Financing HPP Projects, Administrative procedures.