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Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. It covers the basics of renewable energy technologies, their potential, and their limitations.

Key Learning Points

Gain an understanding of renewable energy technologies and their potential
Learn about the limitations and challenges of renewable energy
Explore the economics of renewable energy and its impact on the industry

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basics of renewable energy technologies
Evaluate the potential and limitations of renewable energy
Analyze the impact of renewable energy on the energy industry

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of science and mathematics
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Video lectures
Quizzes

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Description

What do you picture when you hear the term “renewable energy?” Do you imagine fields of solar panels, giant windmills, or huge hydroelectric dams? Those are all examples of large-scale, grid-tied systems. In this course, we’ll go much smaller and focus on off-grid, stand-alone systems.

We will explore the key components of photovoltaic, wind, and hydroelectric systems. We will examine photovoltaic, or PV, system components, and the scientific laws essential to understanding how renewable energy systems work. We will discuss wind energy and low-head hydroelectric systems, focusing on small-scale implementations. During our exploration of these systems, we will focus on safety and regulating bodies that guide proper system design. Throughout the course, you will be able to apply what you’re learning by conducting an energy audit to analyze power consumption, identifying essential system components of small-scale systems, building a budget for a small-scale system design, and creating a design for implementing a small-scale system.

Knowledge

Identify the essential characteristics and technical requirements of photovoltaic, wind, and low head hydroelectric energy systems.
Integrate scientific and technological principles necessary to assess and implement small-scale renewable energy schemes.
Develop a plan for implementing a small-scale renewable energy scheme.

Outline

1: Everything Is Solar
Welcome to Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes
Benefits and Costs of Renewable Energy Schemes
The Importance of The Solar Spectrum, the Stefan Boltzmann Law and Wien’s Displacement Law
The Roles of Direct Beam Radiation and Diffuse Radiation
Panel Orientation in the Real World
Getting Started: What You Need to Know
Participating in Discussions
About Dr. Santiago
Optional: Pre-Course Survey
Why Is It Important to Study Renewables?
What to Expect in Module 1
Radiation from the Sun: Our Source of Energy
(Suggested) Examples Using the Stefan Boltzmann Law and the Wien Displacement Law
Thinking about Panel Orientation
(Suggested) Tips for Finding the Optimum Tilt Angle
Check Your Knowledge: Solar Spectrum, Stefan Boltzmann Law, and Wien’s Displacement Law
Module 1 Quiz

2: How Do Photovoltaics Work?
Overview of a Simple Photovoltaic System
Exploring Photovoltaic Materials and Semiconductor Physics
A Closer Look at a Photovoltaic Cell
Increasing the Power of Solar Cells
Figuring Out How Much Power Is Delivered
What to Expect in Module 2
(Suggested) Photovoltaic Solar Cells
(Suggested) Solar Panel Characteristics: Current, Voltage and Power Curves of a Solar (PV) Panel
Check Your Knowledge: Photovoltaic Basics
Check Your Knowledge: I-V Curve and Maximum Power Point
Module 2 Quiz

3: The Role of Charge Controllers and Inverters in Photovoltaic Systems
Charge Controllers and Inverters in Simple Photovoltaic Systems
Enhancing Battery Life
Integrating Inverters
What to Expect in Module 3
(Suggested) Solar Charge Controllers: All You Need To Know
(Suggested) Installation Considerations: Reviewing the Codes
Adding Power Optimizers
Check Your Knowledge: Charge Controllers
Module 3 Quiz

4: Designing a Photovoltaic System
Reviewing the Components
Balance of System
Figuring Out What You Need
Designing a System
Design Example
Understanding Regulations
What to Expect in Module 4
(Suggested) Stand Alone PV System
(Suggested) Balance of System Equipment Required for Renewable Energy Systems
(Suggested) Five Steps to Correctly Size your Own Solar Array
(Suggested) Planning for Home Renewable Energy Systems
Check Your Knowledge: System Components
Module 4 Quiz

5: Wind Energy: It’s Solar!
What Are Wind Turbines?
Getting Power from Wind
The Role of Wind Speed
Thinking about Placement
Factors that Affect Performance
What to Expect in Module 5
(Suggested) Wind Turbine Blade Design, Flat or Curved
(Suggested) Planning a Small Wind Electric System
Check Your Knowledge: Wind Turbines
Module 5 Quiz

6: Exploring Hydroelectric Energy
How Hydroelectric Systems Work
Examining the Components of Hydroelectric Systems
Considerations for Designing Low-Head Hydroelectric Systems
Regulations and Other Considerations for Low-Head Hydroelectric Systems
What to Expect in Module 6
(Suggested) Microhydropower Systems
Optional: Post-Course Survey
Check Your Knowledge: Hydroelectric Systems
Cumulative Quiz (all modules)

Summary of User Reviews

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a comprehensive overview of different renewable energy sources and their potential

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging lectures by knowledgeable instructors
Clear and concise explanations of complex concepts
Interactive quizzes and assignments that reinforce learning
Well-structured course content that covers a wide range of topics
Opportunities to interact with peers and share ideas

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical glitches in the online platform
Limited opportunities for hands-on experience
Course may be too basic for those with advanced knowledge in the field
Lack of personalized feedback from instructors
Lengthy lectures may be overwhelming for some learners

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