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EEEN40110

Academic Year 2026/2027

Renewable Energy Systems (EEEN40110)

Subject:
Electronic & Electrical Eng
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Electrical & Electronic Eng
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Georgios Tzounas
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module presents the engineering principles of major renewable energy technologies, with primary emphasis on wind and solar photovoltaic systems, and introductory coverage of hydropower and biomass. The module focuses on resource assessment, energy conversion mechanisms, performance analysis, and grid connection of renewable generation.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

(1) Understand and explain the physical principles governing wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass energy resources.
(2) Analyse wind and solar energy resources using first-principles models, as well as statistical and geometrical methods.
(3) Estimate energy yield from renewable energy systems under specified site conditions and resource characteristics.
(4) Apply aerodynamic models to analyse wind turbine performance.
(5) Analyse renewable energy conversion systems, including wind turbine aerodynamics and generator systems, photovoltaic systems, and hydropower turbine–generator systems, and assess the requirements for their integration into electricity networks.
(6) Perform basic economic evaluation of renewable energy projects.

Indicative Module Content:

- Wind resource: statistics, power, vertical profile, turbulence, energy yield.
- Wind turbine: power output, actuator disk model, tip speed ratio, wake rotation, performance curves, power regulation.
- Wind power connection to the grid: types of generator systems, electromechanical model, grid connection requirements.
- Solar resource: black body solar radiation curves, solar geometry, irradiation.
- Solar PV: equivalent circuit of PV cell, efficiency and fill factor, PV modules and arrays, PV module manufacturer data.
- Hydropower: water volumetric flow rate, hydro turbines, specific speed, hydro-turbine-driven generators.
- Biomass: production, energy yield, required land area.
- Economic analysis: evaluation of renewable energy projects, net present value, internal rate of return.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Lectures

30
Tutorial

3
Practical

3
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; enquiry & problem-based learning; critical writing; peer and group work; student presentations.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Electrical engineering to the level of EEEN30070


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BSEN40280 - Energy Conversion & Storage, BSEN40330 - Energy Systems&Sustainable Env, BSEN40340 - Bioenergy Conversion Processes, BSEN40350 - Renewable Energy Syst Analysis, CPSC40330 - Energy Systems&Sustainable Env

Equivalents:
Wind Energy (EEEN40400)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous Assessment: Assignment Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester examination End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Group Work Assignment: Technical report and presentation on renewable energy topic Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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