MAS311 Solar Technology and Design

Contents and structure

Contents

• Solar radiation and the solar year.
• Fundamentals of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy harvesting devices
• Design of buildings using the concept of solar architecture.
• Building physics.
• Installation techniques for mounting photovoltaic and solar thermal panels.
• Electrical network connection and practical considerations.
• New and upcoming technologies and applications along with novel devices.

Learning Outcome

A student who completes the course MAS311 should be able to:

Knowledge

• Show an understanding of how photovoltaic and thermal panels harness energy along with other solar energy harnessing technologies.
• describe various techniques for installing solar harnessing devices to buildings and other structures; being able to communicate how projects can be better conceived using good solar architectural design.
• describe the installation and methods of network connection of solar devices, including an understanding of how local generation can affect the electric grid.

Skills

• Perform concept design studies with overall calculations for structures and devices whose form and function will benefit from solar energy.
• Evaluate the potential for engineering solutions which can utilise solar energy.
• Provide an insight into future solar energy technologies with their implications for application and installation.

General competence

• Reflect on one's own professional practice.
• Work in teams.
• Present one’s own work though presentation and written report.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

An understanding of engineering design, structural forms, heat transfer and material properties.

Teaching methods

The course delivery will be through lectures accompanied with group work*. It is expected that the student will devote time, on a weekly basis, to self-study. If possible, excursions will be arranged. Group work will involve undertaking a project which requires, or extending, knowledge covered within the scope of this course. The project will be directed towards a report and presentation which will be assessed.

* Due the breadth of subjects within the course it is anticipated that the delivery will be by a team of specialist lecturers. This will typically include the disciplines of solar radiation in relation to the solar calendar and position, energy harnessing devices, product applications, systems installation, electrical regulation and networks, building physics, architecture and design analysis.

Compulsory learning activities

Mandatory participation in group work.

Assessment

1. Group project report, accounts for 60 % of the final grade.
2. Oral Examination, accounts for 40 % of the final grade.

The grades for the two assessed elements are converted to integer values which are weighted and combined: this is used to produce the course grade.

Grade scale A-F, where F is a fail. Both elements must be passed in order to pass the course and obtain a final grade.

The students, in their groups, will submit a report which will be assessed with a grade letter (all students in a given group will be awarded the same grade for the report). The oral examination will consist of a group presentation plus individually directed questions (in the presence of group peers); this will be graded on an individual student basis. The presentation is based on the report and is based on the principal of 'together as a group, but assessed individually', If there is an individual task in the report this will be presented on an individual basis. More generally, questions can cover the learning outcomes of the course as well as the course work. The oral examination will also be assessed with a grade letter.

The project report must be written in English and the oral examination along with any visual aids delivered in English.

Examination support material

Group project report: The use all forms of aids, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), may be used for the preparation of the report and hence presentation in the oral examination. For more information about Artificial intelligence (AI) please see Submission of home exams and assignments.

Oral examiniation: 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