Module Code - Title:

CE4047 - WIND, OCEAN AND HYDRO ENERGY

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

0

Tutorial

2

Other

0

Private

0

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The purpose of this module is to introduce civil engineering and energy students to national and EU policy, resource assessment, conversion principles and electricity generation potential associated with renewable energy generated from wind, ocean & hydro resources. This will equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to advise on their appropriate use at specific sites.

Syllabus:

Wind Energy Onshore & Offshore: Market status and current trends; Site and Resource Assessment; Supporting Structures; Aerodynamic and Power Conversion Principles; Power Predictions with Statistical Analysis; Economic Assessment with review of National and EU policy; Storage Mechanisms Hydro-Energy: Market Status and Current Trends; Catchment Areas; Dams; Weirs; Hydrodynamic and Power Conversion Principles; Environmental Impact; Layout of Hydro Power Systems; Power Output; Economic Assessment; Peak Load Management Ocean Energy: Potential Market and Case for Irish Ocean Energy; Review of Emerging Technologies for Wave & Tidal Energy conversion; Power Conversion Principles

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Discuss market status and future potential for wind, ocean and hydro energy Explain resource requirements for wind, ocean and hydro energy Describe principles of operation for wind, ocean & hydro energy conversion devices Conduct a statistical analysis of wind data and create probability density functions Calculate achievable power output from wind and hydro energy conversion devices Evaluate power production potential and estimate payback periods of wind or hydro systems Determine the feasibility of wind and hydro infrastructure for a proposed site.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Discuss the environmental impact associated with renewable wind, ocean or hydro energy versus conventional non-renewable energy

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

MacKay, D. (2009) Sustainable Energy: Without the Hot Air , UIT Cambridge Ltd

Manwell J.F., McGowan J.G. and Rogers A.L. (2009) Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Application, 2nd Ed. , Wiley

Twidell, J. and Weir, T. (2006) Renewable Energy Resources, 2nd Ed. , Taylor & Francis

Boyle, G. (2004) Renewable Energy. 2nd Ed. , Oxford: Oxford University Press

Erich, H. (Von Renouard, H. - Translator) (2005) Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies, Application, Economics , Springer

Charlier, R. H. and Finkl, C.W. (2008) Ocean Energy: Tide and Tidal Power , Springer

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

Pat.Walsh@ul.ie