Online Master's Degree in Renewable Energies

Objectives

Through the course’s six teaching units, the aim is to develop the

following skills and learning outcomes:

§ Core skills:

o Ability to manage scientific and technical information, and to use the

basic information systems available online.

o Language skills, such as the ability to communicate verbally and in writing

to convey ideas and decisions clearly and accurately.

o Analytical and synthesis skills.

o Critical and deductive reasoning.

o Independent learning.

o Fostering creativity, initiative and proactivity.

§ Specific competences:

o Ability to handle and analyse relevant literature on biomass and

biofuels, published in Spanish and English sources.

o Ability to accurately interpret the potential of biomass and

biofuels in combating environmental degradation and climate

, as well as to engage in technical discussions and offer critical opinions on

energy-related aspects of the sustainable development of biofuels.

o Ability to determine the application of biomass that best suits a

particular energy requirement.

o Ability to integrate biomass as a renewable energy source into the

national, regional or local energy mix.

o Ability to analyse the various technologies and manufacturers available and

make a critical selection based on costs and their actual application.

§ Learning outcomes:

To achieve the objectives of this module, we need you to take part in the discussions we

we propose, as this will enable you to gain a more comprehensive and enriching learning experience.

We do not want passive students who simply receive and process information; we want

students who have their own opinions and are keen to learn and contribute different perspectives.

We therefore expect the following from all our students:

§ Active participation in the forums, sharing knowledge and experiences.

§ To work on the proposed activities and submit them within the estimated timeframe.

§ Asking questions to understand and explore the content in greater depth.

§ Learning about innovative technologies in the field of biomass production and use

biomass and biofuels.

§ Analysing the advantages and disadvantages of the various technologies and processes

available for developing biomass utilisation systems.

§ Proposing solutions to environmental problems, both global and local,

arising from the exploitation, transport and consumption of biomass.

Description of the course content

This module is divided into 6 teaching units. To study each one, you must

read, study and successfully complete all the materials it comprises. These are as follows:

§ Theoretical content and self-assessment exercises: In each teaching unit

you will find more theoretical content (enriched with links, a bibliography and

videos) in which the tutor will explain and clarify specific parts of the syllabus.

Interwoven with the theoretical content, you will find forums, quizzes and assignments that

will help you consolidate your knowledge by putting it into practice.

§ Individual and/or group activities: This course/module includes

various individual and/or group activities. You must complete them and submit them to the lecturer,

via the assignment submission box provided in the virtual classroom for the

course/module, so that they can be assessed and you can receive personalised feedback. These

activities will count towards your final mark.

§ Online classes: this course/module comprises 60 hours of online classes, which

will take place synchronously on the dates and at the times published by the lecturer,

using the virtual classroom’s video-conferencing tool. Although the classes are

recorded and can be viewed asynchronously, it is advisable to attend as they are

interactive and participatory sessions that will help you understand and apply the

course concepts.

§ You must pass the final exam.

Assessment system and criteria

In the course/module’s virtual classroom, you will be able to view in detail the activities you are required to complete, as well as the submission dates, assessment criteria and marking schemes for each one. Your final mark will be based on the following assessment system: 30 per cent of the mark will come from continuous assessment, based on the individual activities to be submitted throughout the course: 15 per cent each. The final exam for the module will account for 70 per cent of the final mark.

Standard assessment period: To pass the module during the standard assessment period, you must achieve a mark of 5.0 out of 10.0 or higher in the final mark (weighted average) for the module and, in addition: The average mark for all activities in each module must be 5.0 out of 10.0 or higher to be included in the overall average with the exam. Similarly, the exam mark must be 5.0 out of 10.0 or higher to be included in the overall average with the activities.

Extraordinary examination session: To pass the module in the extraordinary examination session, you must achieve a mark of 5.0 out of 10.0 or higher in the final mark (weighted average) for the module. Students must submit any activities that were not passed during the ordinary assessment period, after receiving the relevant feedback from the lecturer, or any activities that were not submitted at all.

Objectives

- To understand the energy conversion process that takes place from the primary source of solar radiation to the generation of electrical energy, taking into account the influence of solar geometry (astronomy and atmospheric factors) and the technological aspects inherent to the photovoltaic system itself.

- To learn about the most fundamental characteristics of each of the components that make up a photovoltaic system, in particular the module, the inverter and the fixed or mobile support structures.

- To learn the concepts involved in calculating the output of a photovoltaic system, units of measurement, the calculation of various performance indicators and essential aspects of system design.

- To understand the specific aspects of self-consumption systems within the Spanish regulatory framework, learning how energy is metered and the design considerations for such systems.

- To learn how to use the PVsyst photovoltaic system simulation software, whilst at the same time reinforcing, through practical use of the programme, all the design and output calculation concepts learnt in the more theoretical sessions.

- To understand aspects of the engineering, development and operation of photovoltaic plants, as well as the main tests carried out to verify their correct functioning, particularly PR tests.

Course content description

Unit 1 – FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY

Astronomical coordinates

Determining the position of the sun

Solar geometry

Solar radiation

Photoelectric effect

Unit 2 – Components of a photovoltaic system

Modules

Inverters

Structures and trackers

Transformers

Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

Other

Unit 3 – Production Calculation

Concepts and parameters

Meteorological databases

Measuring instruments

System losses

Simulations with PVSYST

Unit 4 – Self-consumption systems

Types of systems

Regulation of self-consumption in Spain

Design of self-consumption systems

Project examples

Unit 5 – Photovoltaic Plants

Plant design and engineering

Development phase

Implementation phase

PR testing

Assessment system and criteria

MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAM (accounting for 60% of the final mark)

40 QUESTIONS

4 ANSWER OPTIONS, WITH ONLY ONE CORRECT ANSWER

CORRECT ANSWER + 1.00 / INCORRECT ANSWER - 0.25

DURATION: 1 hour 20 minutes

Result: Marks obtained out of 40 are standardised on a scale of 0 to 10.

PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT USING PVSYST (40% of the final mark), marked out of 10 according to the specific criteria set out in the instructions.

CRITERIA FOR CALCULATING THE FINAL GRADE

1. If a mark of less than 4 out of 10 is obtained in the exam or a mark of less than 3 out of 10 is obtained in the practical assignment:

FINAL MARK = Lower of (EXAM MARK, ASSIGNMENT MARK)

2. If a mark of 4 out of 10 or higher is obtained in the exam and a mark of 3 out of 10 or higher is obtained in the assignment:

FINAL MARK = 0.6 × EXAM MARK + 0.4 × ASSIGNMENT MARK

REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING THE SUBJECT

FINAL MARK GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 5 OUT OF 10

Note: If a student fails the module in the ordinary assessment period and the assignment mark is 4 out of 10 or higher, the student may choose either to resubmit the assignment and retain the same mark for the purposes of the supplementary assessment period, in which the same assessment criteria will apply. If the assignment mark is less than 3 out of 10, the assignment must be resubmitted for the supplementary examination

Objectives

The Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer module helps students lay the foundations

for any energy-related process. It provides basic knowledge of

the variables, processes, cycles and principles that govern thermodynamic processes and

analyses the various mechanisms of heat transfer.

This course is a 4-credit supplementary module (3 of which are from the

thermodynamics and 1 from the heat transfer section), which will be taught in the first semester

to any student who has not taken it as part of their original degree programme or has not

studied in sufficient depth.

Upon completion of the course, students should have sufficient knowledge to be able to

analyse any process involving any form of energy, understand its principles and evaluate

the design of any energy installation.

Course content description

Module 1: Principles of Thermodynamics.

- The zeroth law of thermodynamics.

- First law of thermodynamics.

- Second law of thermodynamics. Entropy.

- Open systems.

Block 2: Power cycles. Heat engines.

- Reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE)

- Gas turbine. Brayton cycle.

- Steam turbine. Thermal power stations. Rankine cycle.

- Combined cycles.

- Cogeneration.

Block 3: Reverse cycles. Industrial heating and cooling.

- Reverse cycle via vapour compression.

- Modifications to the vapour compression cycle.

- Heat pump. Aerothermal energy.

- Absorption cycle

- Reverse Brayton cycle

Block 4: Heat transfer.

- Conduction.

- Convection.

- Radiation.

- Industrial applications: heat exchangers.

Assessment system and criteria

End-of-Course Assignment (EOCA)

Bibliography

Other:

1. Cengel, Yunus A.

Thermodynamics

5th ed.: McGraw-Hill. 2006.

ISBN: 970-10-5611-6