As the energy infrastructure is arguably the most important feature in any city energy efficiency and integration of renewable energy sources within urban areas are central to the smart city concept. This module will first explore why there is a need for the greater use of low-carbon and renewable energy systems within cities, followed by an introduction to the range of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies currently available. The module will explore the potential to integrate low-carbon and renewable energy systems into buildings to move towards cost-effective, efficient, and more environmentally friendly energy provision based on the Paris Agreement for net zero buildings. Furthermore, challenges and issues associated with the greater integration of low-carbon and renewable energy systems into energy infrastructure within large urban areas and smart cities will be considered.



The subjects listed below will be covered to build a strong understanding of clean energy systems and technologies:

An Introduction to low carbon and renewable energy systems particularly for Smart Cities.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies in the Energy Industry.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems for smart buildings.

Renewable energy systems (e.g., Wind, Marine, Hydro, and Geothermal energy).

Solar Energy systems (Characteristics of Sunlight, Solar PV Technology, Solar Heating/Cooling Technology, Solar Technology applications for smart Buildings).

Experimental laboratory works (e.g., wind, solar, H2 generation fuel cell).

A 2500-word assignment based on a portfolio of work undertaken within the practical sessions of the module, weighted at 50% and assessing learning outcomes 2 and 3. The portfolio will cover specific items listed in the indicative content. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2, M4, M7

A 2-hour examination, weighted at 50% and assessing learning outcomes 1, 4 and 5. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2, M4

Practice formative class tests will be undertaken during the module and formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial/practical sessions within the class.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse, and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including lectures, laboratories, tutorials, and guided independent learning opportunities.

Students will work through weekly instructional material (a mixture of slides, text and video-based materials and web resources) provided during the lectures and via the VLE. These materials will provide a structured programme of specific activities and tasks which students will be asked to complete. This will involve reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers, and other information sources. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at regular points throughout the module students will be expected to interact and share material, ideas and thoughts with the tutors and other students.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of a range of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies. (AHEP 4: M4)

Knowledge & Understanding

Enquiry

2. 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)

Learning

Analysis

Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate a critical learning and evaluation of net zero scenarios for buildings using the clean energy concepts and their applications and the environmental and societal impact of solutions. (AHEP 4: M7)

Learning

Application

Enquiry

4. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions of the integrating low-carbon and renewable energy systems into the energy infrastructure of smart cities. (AHEP 4: M2)

Application

Reflection

5. Apply knowledge of mathematics, and engineering principles to the solution of analysis and application of the low carbon and renewable energy systems in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Problem Solving

Application

Experimental Lab Facilities in the Renewable Energy Laboratory

Textbooks (mostly available through University Library)

Online tutorials, YouTube, Energy forums such as:

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7

https://www.iea.org/

The following sample references are suggested. Further references will be published during the lectures.

Alcacer, L., (2022), Physics of Organic Electronics, ISBN Online 978-0-7503-3347-4, ISBN Print 978-7503-3345-0.

Darabkhani, H.G., Varasteh, H. and Bazooyar, B., (2022), Carbon Capture Technologies for Gas-Turbine-Based Power Plants, Elsevier Book, 1st Edition, SU’s Library Link

Forest, S.R., (2020), Organic Electronics: Foundations to Applications, Stephen R. Forest ISBN9780198529729.

Nelson, V., and Kenneth, S., (2016), Introduction to Renewable Energy, 2nd Edition, CRC Publications.

Rand, B.P., and Richter, H. (2014), Organic solar cells: Fundamentals, Devices, and Upscaling, CRC Press, USA.

Tomar, P., and Kaur, G., (2019), Green and Smart Technologies for Smart Cities, CRC Press.

As the energy infrastructure is arguably the most important feature in any city energy efficiency and integration of renewable energy sources within urban areas are central to the smart city concept. This module will first explore why there is a need for the greater use of low-carbon and renewable energy systems within cities, followed by an introduction to the range of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies currently available. The module will explore the potential to integrate low-carbon and renewable energy systems into buildings to move toward cost-effective, efficient, and more environmentally friendly energy provision based on the Paris Agreement for net zero buildings. Furthermore, challenges and issues associated with the greater integration of low-carbon and renewable energy systems into energy infrastructure within large urban areas and smart cities will be considered.