Solar radiation. Solar radiation measurement. Geometry of the earth and sun. Irradiation of horizontal and inclined surface. Calculation methods of terrestrial irradiance. Flat plate thermal collectors, convection and radiation losses. Selective surfaces. Efficiencies of solar collectors. Solar concentrators. Photovoltaic generation, solar cell, Solar radiation input and limits to cell efficiency. Examples of solar energy use for thermal and electric energy generation. Power from the wind, wind characteristics. Linear momentum theory, turbine types and efficiencies. Recent wind turbine use for electricity generation review. Introduction to geothermal energy. Biomass energy for thermal, biofuels, and electricity. Storage of electrical energy. Advanced battery technology (development, perspective). Hydrogen economy, production, transport and storage of hydrogen. Fuel cells. Renewable energy integration to power system.

This course qualifies students for good understanding of possibilities and limitations of renewable energy sources. They will gain ability of performing simple calculations and estimations of advanced developing technology potentials.

1. analyze the resources (energy potentials) for all covered sources of energy
2. explain the basic differences and limitations of of treated source of energy in terms of density, predictability, variability and impacts on the environment and economy
3. create an assessment of of power and produced electricity for all energy sources covered
4. demonstrate the skill of using special software tools for modeling of treated energy
5. generate credible assessments of the impact and the required capacity of renewable energy sources
6. argue the assessment of potentials and limitations of new sources of energy compared to conventional sources

Lectures

Lectures are conducted using Power Point presentations and classic blackboard approach. Students are motivated to actively participate by answering to questions, giving comments and personal opinions.

Exercises

Exercises are primarily conducted by solving problems on blackboard. In a case of an adequate example the problem is also solved using appropriate computer program.

Consultations

Consultations are conducted individually or with a group of students, depending on an agreement with the students.

Seminars

Independent student work is conducted using seminar exercises, i.e. homework assignments (individual or group). Students are given a complex problem to be solved using computer programs.

E-learning

Solving blitz tests aiming to provide, both the student and the lecturer, with information of the level of student comprehension of the problem.

Internship visits

A visit to a company producing elements for renewable facilities or running a renewable facility for electricity production is organized once per semester.

1. Solar radiation Solar radiation measurement Geometry of the earth and sun Irradiation of horizontal and inclined surface Calculation methods of terrestrial irradiance
2. Flat plate thermal collectors, convection and radiation losses Selective surfaces Efficiencies of solar collectors Solar concentrators
3. Photovoltaic generation, solar cell, Solar radiation input and limits to cell efficiency
4. Examples of solar energy use for thermal and electric energy generation
5. Power from the wind, wind characteristics Linear momentum theory, turbine types and efficiencies
6. Recent wind turbine use for electricity generation review
7. Specifics and use of small hydro power plants
8. Midterm exam
9. Midterm exam
10. Introduction to geothermal energy
11. Biomass energy for thermal, biofuels, and electricity
12. Storage of electrical energy Advanced battery technology (development, perspective)
13. Hydrogen economy, production, transport and storage of hydrogen Fuel cells
14. Renewable energy integration to power system – connection
15. Renewable energy integration to power system – operation