MAS520 Design for Sustainable Energy Technology

Contents and structure

The ability for engineers to propose sustainable solutions; ones which acknowledge the challenges imposed by the sustainable development goal (SDG) framework and will meet the needs of an increasing population with a rising standard of living whilst minimising the impact on our planet's limited resources, will define the next generation of problem solvers. An ability that should be intrinsic to the role of an engineer.

This course combines the elements of engineering design with industrial ecology and sustainability. Students will develop problem solving skills associated with proposal and refinement of solutions, development, communication, organization, and management of projects within a holistic perspective. These skills are required in contemporary- multidisciplinary engineering projects directed towards the energy sector, i.e. energy conversion, storage and consuming devices.

An understanding of a design team approach will be gained; also, the application and extension of the students’ problem solving knowledge within and beyond their current specialisation.

The course will be centred around a design project which will be supplemented with supporting lectures.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student...

• understands the engineering design process and the need to weight design decisions against relevant factors.
• appreciates the importance of selecting the appropriate materials to provide the required properties in detail, in a construction element; also, what forms and functions various materials can perform throughout its lifetime.

Skills

The student...

• can follow and apply engineering design processes including problem formulation, ideation, screening and selection, embodiment and detail design (i.e initial design studies with calculations for structures and devices, whose form and function will provide a solution to specified problems).
• can evaluate proposed engineering solutions in relation to materials and other resource requirements and apply key concepts to design or redesign products to be recyclable, reusable, repurposed, life extended; in a sustainable ethos with a minimisation of waste and environmental impacts.
• can specify and develop energy efficient and environmentally conscious devices.
• can demonstrate knowledge in the use and application of various fabrication methods.

General competency

The student…

• can reflect on their professional practice; working in teams.
• can present their work though presentation and written report.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor degree or equivalent in an engineering/science based subject.

Recommended:

MAS503 Introduction to sustainability analysis, or equivalent.

Note: Those from a less aligned degree may be considered on an individual basis.

Teaching methods

Teaching:

lectures and supervision.

Learning activities:

laboratory/workshop work, which may involve group work.

Concept designing, inc supporting calculations and background literature searches.

Compulsory learning activities

During the delivery of the course the student will be required to complete and pass a number of engagement tasks. The number defined as set tasks and minimum number required to be passed will be specified at the start of the course.

The tasks need to be passed by the student to evidence engagement with the course and a basic level of comprehension. A task can consist of the application of a previous or current week's theoretical lectures or exercises based on these, or those that support the process of learning in line with the delivery of the course assignment.

There will be a midway oral presentation which must be passed.

The engagement tasks if written or spoken must be delivered in English.

Assessment

Group project report with individual adjusted oral examination.

Within the oral examination the concept of delivering together (with members of a report group) but being assessed individually is normally used.

The project report and the oral examination must be delivered in English

Grading scale is A-F, where F is fail.

Examination support material

Group project report: all support material is permitted.

A number of idea creation (ideation) methods are taught during the course which include the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and may be used for the preparation of the report and generally for assigned tasks. For more information about Artificial intelligence (AI) please see Submission of home exams and assignments.

Individual adjusted oral examination: the oral examination is typically based around the presentation of the group report. The use of physical items or models to support the presentation slides is permitted.

More about examination support material