1. A 2500-word Renewable Energy laboratory-based assignment with a specific focus on life-cycle analysis weighted at 50%, meeting Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2, M4, M7 and M17.

2. A 1.5-hour exam requiring students to answer questions on renewable energy systems weighted at 50%, meeting Learning Outcomes 1 and 2. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2, and M3.

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop student learning.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass the module with a minimum mark of 40% on a component.

This module investigates the need for low-carbon systems in urban areas and investigate the introduction of available renewable technologies.

The following topics will be covered:

- The review different forms of renewable energy, such as kinetic, chemical, thermal, and potential energy. Energy flow, energy use, clean energy, net-zero targets and associated challenges.
- Hydroelectricity system, including pump storage.
- Wave and tidal energy.
- Photovoltaics (PV) technologies, PV system design, modelling and integration.
- Wind energy, onshore and offshore wind turbines and their integration with the electricity network, power curve, aerodynamics, and types of turbines, Control of angle of attack (AoA) and pitch angle, efficiency calculations.
- Biomass and geothermal energy systems.
- Grid integration challenges, impact of intermittencies, forecasting, curtailments, energy balance issues, and frequency problems.
- Life cycle assessment applications on renewable energy systems and their role in the overall process of environmental management.

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of renewable energy technologies and their applications. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Formulate and analyse complex problems in integrating renewable energy systems into existing energy infrastructure. (AHEP 4: M2, M3)

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding, Application & Problem-Solving

3. Select and critically analyse technical literature and practical experimental works on renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, wind) and H2 storage and Fuel cell technologies. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M4)

Programme Learning Outcome: Digital literacy, Research Skills

4. Evaluate and reflect upon renewable energy systems using Life cycle analysis theory. (AHEP 4: M7, M17)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem-Solving, Reflection

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions through a variety of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a structured introduction to key concepts and underpinning theory.

Tutorials: Interactive sessions designed to reinforce learning, explore concepts in greater depth, and provide opportunities for guided problem-solving and discussion.

Practical Activities: Hands-on sessions using appropriate tools, techniques, or methodologies to support the application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and guide development.

The following resources are needed:

- Lecture and Seminar Space with A/V
- Engineering Laboratory Spaces – Experimental Lab Facilities in the Renewable Energy Laboratory
- PC and standard engineering software

Hauschild, M., Rosenbaum, R. and Olsen, S.I. (2018) Life Cycle Assessment: Theory and Practice. Cham: Springer

Nelson, V. C. and Starcher, K. L. (2025). Introduction to renewable energy. 3rd edition. London: Routledge.

Jenkins, N. and Ekanayake, J. (2024) Renewable energy engineering. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Everett, B., Boyle, G., Peake, S. and Ramage, J. (eds.) (2012) Energy systems and sustainability: power for a sustainable future. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Boyle, G. (ed.) (2012) Renewable energy: power for a sustainable future. 3rd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The books listed above for renewable energy systems are recognised standard works in the field, providing rigorous coverage of core and foundational concepts. Although they are not the most recently published texts, they remain widely used and continue to provide essential theoretical grounding, supported by more recent industry publication included in the reading list.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy integration form the core of smart city infrastructure. This module allows you to examine the need for low-carbon systems in urban areas and investigate the introduction of available renewable technologies. It allows you to explore their integration into buildings for cost-effective, Paris Agreement-aligned net zero solutions. It also allows you to consider addressing challenges in scaling these systems within large cities and smart infrastructure.