Overview

This unit covers concepts associated with the solar energy industry including; the characteristics of solar radiation and solar collectors including efficiency evaluation and prediction of long-term performance; system modelling; energy storage; computer simulation and modelling of performance and the economics and financing of solar energy projects.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-BLENDED

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Roger Dargaville

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Roger Dargaville

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Describe the fundamental characteristics of solar irradiance, including the wavelength and frequency, energy levels and position in the sky (zenith and azimuth angles).

2.

Describe the functionality and evaluate the relative benefits of concentrating solar thermal energy plant compared to solar PV and other energy technologies.

3.

Demonstrate how a solar photovoltaic cell works, including the principles of semi-conductors, bandgap energy, PN junctions and measures of PV cell efficiency.

4.

Evaluate the role of PV and solar thermal technologies in the energy market, now and into the future.

5.

Design solar-based energy system configurations for a range of scales and scenarios from household to national markets.

Teaching approach

Active learning
Research activities

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 50%

Final assessment: 50%

This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Assignments
2 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Practical activities
Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Availability in areas of study

Minor: Power and energy systems engineering
Minor: Renewable energy engineering