What you will study
The course provides an in-depth knowledge of renewable energy systems design and development, commercial and technical consultancy and project management within the sustainable engineering environment.
You will gain technical skills in and knowledge of solar power, wind power, biofuel and fuel cell technologies, as well as renewable energy business and management. In addition, you will gain practical skills in up-to-date computer-aided simulation technologies such as Polysun for solar energy applications, WindPRO for wind farm applications and ECLIPSE for biomass applications.
Option modules enable you to specialise in project engineering and management, as well as risk management or engineering design and development. Advanced topics, such as 3D solid modelling, computer-aided product development and simulation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and simulation allow you to gain further practical and theoretical knowledge of analytical software tools used in product design.
Core modules
Biomass and Fuel Cell Renewable Technology
30 credits
This broad-based module comprehensively examines:
- biomass and fuel cell technology;
- the principle engineering methodologies for producing biomass ;
- fuel cell energy as a prime source of power;
- the relevant applications for renewable energy generation;
- how the design and manufacturing processes involved may be applied in the development and optimisation of new and innovative renewable energy systems; and
- some of the key issues relating to environmental concern as well as biomass and fuel cell policy.
The module is primarily delivered through formal lectures and practical laboratory sessions, supported by case studies and tutorials, with comprehensive course material available via StudySpace.
Solar Power Engineering
30 credits
This core module provides a detailed examination of the solar energy conversion process, system design and application. The comprehensive content considers:
- how the principles of solar energy, as a prime source of power, can be utilised in the design, development and manufacture of relevant energy systems and technologies;
- current and future technological requirements; and
- the key issues and influences surrounding solar energy deployment.
Core factual material is primarily delivered through lectures and supported by tutorials, with comprehensive course material available via StudySpace.
Wind Power Engineering
30 credits
The comprehensive content of this module examines:
- the measurement and assessment of wind resources; together with
- the principles and technology of machines used in the generation of power from the wind, including:
- their aerodynamics;
- the aero-elastic;
- fatigue characteristics of their materials; and
- the operation of ancillary equipment, including gear boxes and electrical machines.
The module also considers the latest developments and technical progress of wind-powered installations and covers all aspects of life-time project management, including:
- planning and public acceptance;
- costing and financial incentives;
- technologies; and
- plant operation, including maintenance and power system integration.
The module is primarily delivered through lectures and practical laboratory sessions, supported by tutorials, with comprehensive course material available via StudySpace.
Project Dissertation
60 credits
This project module allows you to choose an area to research relating to a specific industrial problem and recommend a solution; utilising relevant hardware and software technology in order to produce a conference paper, an oral presentation and a substantial dissertation.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Formulate a research problem, clearly stating the objectives of the proposed research and by developing and expounding a valid hypothesis.
- Carry out a thorough literature search in order to develop a comprehensive and sufficiently deep appreciation of the selected research field.
- Demonstrate the ability to devise a sound methodology to proceed the project in a systematic manner.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the research results to relevant industries and problems.
- Demonstrate powers of critical analysis consistent with work at a masters level and express hypotheses, analyses and deductions in a clear, concise and objective manner.
Option modules (choose one)
Option modules
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management
30 credits
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management is a core module for engineering students on various taught MSc programmes. The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It also addresses issues related to presentation of technical reports at MSc. level and for the purpose of wider publication in learned media.
The module further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.
The module content is designed to enhance the students' employability potential in a variety of national and international industrial organisations, or career opportunities in research and development arena. It also equips students with a set of skills to set up their own business in an engineering innovation area should they wish to do so.
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineering Applications
30 credits
This option module is designed for students in mechanical engineering and allied subject areas to be able to extend existing knowledge and skills of relevant computational techniques and advanced mathematics developed at undergraduate level. Emphasis is placed on the solution to fluids problems in a realistic mechanical engineering context.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
- Define and analyse simple engineering fluid flow problems using the Navier Stokes equations. Simplify flow problems and solve them.
- Construct appropriate solid models for CFD analysis, set up the solution domain and generate suitable surface and volume grids via meshing tools.
- Understand both flow physics and mathematical properties of governing of Navier Stokes equations and define appropriate boundary conditions.
- Use CFD software to model flow problems of relevance to mechanical engineers. Analyse the results and compare with available data.
Computer Integrated Product Development
30 credits
This option module is structured to develop an in-depth understanding of some of the fundamental CAD/CAM/CAE computing technologies that support the engineering product development process. The module also develops both an understanding of the role of these technologies within product data management (PDM) systems and its role as a key enabler for product lifecycle management (PLM).
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
- Generate complex 3D solid models including a variety of component parts and assemblies.
- Develop a good understanding of different assembly techniques and the use of assembly geometry constrained.
- Understand and apply the concepts of FEM/FEA methods to solve engineering design problems.
- Understand and apply appropriate mechanism design techniques to validate product functionality.
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
