Renewable Energy Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Classes are mainly of tutorial nature, where the theoretical concepts are followed by the reference to the available technologies. Whenever feasible, practical illustrations of real examples will be given.

There will be no clear distinction between tutorial and laboratory classes, being this used to emphasize the real applications.

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of this course consists on the transmission of a broad view of the actual society energy problems, specifically in what concerns the needs and advantages of using renewable energy resources. The available options for renewable resources are addressed, with emphasis on the existing technologies for attainment and production of energy. The focus is directed toward thermal and photovoltaic solar systems, wind energy, hydraulic systems, biomass and production of biofuel, wave and tide energy, and geothermal energy. Storage energy options are also addressed, as well its applications.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

0. Renewable versus non-renewable sources of energy.

Overview of renewable sources of energy and renewable energy technologies.

Sun: The origin of renewable energy flows

1. Solar energy fundamentals of solar radiation (solar system, sun apparent path, attenuation of the solar radiation, solar energy at the earth surface).

Solar thermal systems.

Solar photovoltaic conversion. Applications.

2. Wind energy

The atmospheric boundary layer. Prediction of wind speed: analytical models and numerical models. Wind energy potential. Propeller-type converters. Wind power electric generator technologies.

3. Bioenergy

Biomass types. Biofuels for transportation. Waste-to-energy technologies and biogas. Biorefinery

4. Hydroelectricity including mini-hydro and pumped storage

5. Ocean and water energy

Water flows. Ocean waves, tides and currents. Available technology systems: Oscillating water column (OWC),

Archimedes wave swing (AWS).

6. Geothermal energy

7. Energy storage systems.

Head Lecturer(s)

Nelson Miguel Lopes Soares

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 100.0%

Bibliography

“Renewable Energy: Technology, Economics and Environment”.

Martin Kaltschmitt, Wolfgang Streicher, Andreas Wiese (Editors). Springer, 2007, 564 p.

“Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future” – 3rd edition,

Godfrey Boyle (Editor). Oxford Press University, 2012, 566 p.