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BSEN40350

Academic Year 2025/2026

Renewable Energy Systems Analysis (BSEN40350)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joseph Sweeney
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the concepts behind the analysis of renewable energy systems. Choice awareness of energy systems are considered in the uptake of renewable energy systems. The fundamentals of generation, cogeneration, and tri-generation are explored for low-carbon/renewable energy systems. Methods and tools for hybrid energy systems integration and optimisation to provide specified service loads (electricity, heating, and cooling) are applied considering energy flows, energy systems integration, and bases for sustainable energy systems. Design and analyses of renewables is based on special purpose computer tools with capability for integration of renewable energy resources and/or conversion technologies for multiple energy systems/sectors including energy demand and supply modelling.

*It is a prerequisite for this module that students have their own laptop that operate the windows operating system. This is necessary to be able to install and operate the Homer Pro software necessary for practicals

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
(1) Explain why energy systems analysis is needed and its importance in energy planning,
(2) Describe and characterise energy supply and demand, and the main renewable energy technologies for electricity, heating and cooling;
(3) Analyse and optimise integrated energy systems as basis for creation of sustainable energy systems.
(4) Analyse and optimise integrated conversion technologies for multiple energy systems/sectors including energy demand and supply modelling

Indicative Module Content:

Weeks 1 and 2: Choice Awareness and Choice Awareness Strategies
Weeks 3 and 4: Energy Systems Analysis
Week 5: Energy Systems Integration and Modelling
Week 6: Co- and Tri- Generation
Week 7: District Heating
Week 8: Wind Energy
Week 9: Solar Energy
Week 10: Ocean Energy
Week 11: Energy Storage
Week 12: Barriers and Policies

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Tutorial

4

Computer Aided Lab

8

Specified Learning Activities

44

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

128


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching on this module be delivered through lectures.
There are scheduled lab sessions based on active-learning approaches using the Homer Pro Modelling software.

*It is a prerequisite for this module that students have their own laptop that operate the windows operating system. This is necessary to be able to install and operate the Homer Pro software necessary for practicals

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
EEEN40110 - Renewable Energy Systems


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Choice Awareness Week 3 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): System Integration Modelling: Fundamentals Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Systems Integration Modelling: Optimisation Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Renewable Energy System Analysis Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are required to complete a number of assignments over the course of the module. Formative feedback will be provided to each student after each assignment is completed.

Reading and support material will be provided on a regular basis within the module in Brightspace.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Fionnuala Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joseph Sweeney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Kamyar Golbaten Mofrad Tutor
Maneesh Mediboyina Tutor
Ibrahim Zubairu Waziri Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 23, 29, 31, 33 Wed 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 25 Wed 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 14:00 - 14:50