Synopsis
Energy resources, chain, and energy conversion processes; non-renewable (fossil, nuclear) and renewable (photovoltaic, wind, hydro-, biomass) sources of energy; environmental impact of electricity generation; energy storage technologies; direct and indirect energy conversion; overview of the world and Australian energy production and consumption; the future energy scenarios.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the energy forms desired by a modern economy
- Appraise characteristics of different types of primary energy, describe how primary energy is converted to secondary forms, describe the relationship between energy and power
- Describe benefits and impacts of utilising different energy sources from an environmental, social and monetary vantage
- Describe energy markets and how electricity distribution networks function
- Describe the energy requirements of buildings and relate these to: human thermal comfort and the mechanisms for heat transfer through building materials and from surfaces\
- Describe transport energy (supply, use, losses, efficiency opportunities)
- Propose designs or retrofit options for a building to achieve net positive energy use
- Apply the key elements of an energy audit and formulate (high level)
recommendations for improving energy efficiency - Appraise Energy Policy options for sustainable energy supply
Assessment
- Continuous assessment: 60%
- Examination (2 hours): 40%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.
Workload requirements
3 hours virtual lectures and 3 hours virtual laboratory and practice classes, and 6 hours of private study per week