Renewable Energy

Recommended Prerequisites

Physics, Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Project Management. 

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical classes with detailed exposition of the concepts and principles associated with each form of renewable energy, as much as possible supported by audiovisual and laboratory media. Resolution of practical examples that contribute to the understanding and internalization of the theoretical concepts previously taught. The resolution of practical examples is complemented by a group work proposed to the students on a subject of this course unit which aims to stimulate their involvement in the renewable energy chalenges and its autonomy.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide a global and integrated view of renewable energy. It is divided between an initial component of an eminently descriptive general framework and a more applied component focused on the area of fluvial and maritime hydroelectric power plants, as well as wind and solar power. The final objectives of the course are to provide students with the ability to understand the operating principles and specificities of each technology and enable them to develop technical and economic profitability analysis of renewable energy.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Renewable energy and climate change; Basic concepts about energy. Types of power plants. Protocols and summits. Future energy requirements and climate protection.

2. Introduction to wind farms; Atmospheric flow; Prandtl's profile; Statistical modeling; Betz limit; Wind action for wind tower design under extreme events.

3. Introduction to solar energy; Solar radiation; Heating and solar fraction requirements; Solar collectors for water heating; Photovoltaic systems; Storage.

4. Introduction hydropower; River flow; Statistical modeling; Useful energy of multi-purpose dams; Hydrodynamic action and Dam Safety Regulations.

5. Introduction to ocean energy; Offshore, nearshore and onshore wave energy converters; Sea wave spectrum; Power matrix; Useful energy; Hydrodynamic action.

6. Introduction to geothermal energy; Thermo-active piles; Cyclic heating and cooling.

Head Lecturer(s)

José Paulo Pereira de Gouveia Lopes de Almeida

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

1. ASCE/EPRI (1989).  Civil Engineering Guidelines for Planning and Designing Hydroelectric Developments, New York, USA.

2. Chakrabarti S. K.. Hydrodynamics of Offshore Structures  (2001). WIT Press: Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7AA, UK.

3. ESHA (2004). Guide on How to Develop a Small Hydropower Plant. European Small Hydropower Association.

4. Francis, R. Franchi (2004). Energy Technology and Directions for the Future. Elsevier Academic Press, Burlington,USA.

5. Gevorkian, P. (2008). Solar Power in Building Design. The Engineer’s Complete Design Resource. McGraw-Hill, New-York.

6. Hau, Erich. Wind turbines, fundamentals, technologies, application, economics (2013). Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

7. Banks D (2012) An Introduction to Thermogeology: Ground Source Heating and Cooling, 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, UK

8. Quaschning, V. (2005). Understanding renewable energy systems. Earthscan, London.

9. Solar Heating Systems for Houses. A design Handboo.