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Renewable Energy (SCIE90014)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject examines the science, technology and policy instruments of a broad range of renewable energy technologies including solar, wind and water as well as other thermal renewables. Specifically, the subject covers:

  • Solar: Overview of the fundamental physics of solar radiation; Technical details of photovoltaic cells and concentrating solar power systems
  • Wind and water: Overview of the fundamental physics of motion involved in energy in wind & water; Technical details of wind turbines and hydro-power systems, including pumped Hydro-Energy Storage
  • Other thermal renewables: Overview of the chemistry and technologies for biomass for heat and electricity and liquid biofuels
  • Renewable integration and policy: Overview of renewable energy policy considerations; Understanding challenges of integration of renewables into power systems. This includes managing variability and the opportunities provided by storage and demand-side management.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the technical details across a broad variety of renewable energy technologies;
  • Describe renewable energy resources and their dependencies on environmental factors in Australia and internationally;
  • Assess the relative merits of the different technologies in terms of cost, variability and technical constraints.

Generic skills

  • Ability to communicate effectively on the technical topics both to a technically trained audience and to the general public
  • Understanding of the broad implications of technological change in the 21st century

Last updated: 12 September 2024