Course: Solar Energy credits: 5

Course code
ZWVH21SLE
Name
Solar Energy
Study year
2022-2023
ECTS credits
5
Language
English
Coordinator
A.A. Bellekom
Modes of delivery
  • Practical / Training
  • Tutorial
Assessments
  • Assignment SLE - Other assessment
  • Lab SLE - Other assessment
  • Solar Energy - Written, organised by STAD examinations

Learning outcomes

After the completion of the module the student is able to:
  • understand, analyse and optimize the design and operation of solar cells, modules and systems, and to a lesser extent of solar thermal energy systems
  • analyse and evaluate the similarities and differences between the various technological approaches towards solar energy conversion
  • apply the specific features of solar energy systems for integration in the portfolio of energy technologies
  • analyse, synthesize and critically evaluate information and findings in the field of solar energy and present it in a clear, fact-based and convincing way
  • perform calculations of solar cell device operation and of power and energy production
  • make basic PV system dimensioning calculations and simulations
  • measure some of the main performance indicators of solar panels
  • communicate plans and results with other members of the group and effectively discuss problems encountered.
  • present information and findings in the field of solar energy in a clear, fact-based and convincing way
  • describe lessons learned and explain them to professional colleagues with a similar background, but without the specific knowledge of the lessons learned.

Content

In terms of scientific and technical contents this module will treat the following aspects of solar
 energy:
 The solar resource: properties of sunlight, insolation (amount of sunlight available)
 Solar energy conversion technologies compared (electricity, heat, fuels)

 Photovoltaic conversion:
  • the PV sector in a bird’s eye view: general introduction to history, markets, scenarios, roadmaps, etc.
  • basic conversion process and efficiency limitations;
  • properties of semiconductors, semiconductor processing and basic semiconductor devices;
  • basic solar cell design and operation, including current-voltage characteristics spectral response and quantum efficiency;
  • efficiency determining factors, routes to (very) high efficiencies, Standard Test Conditions (STC-) and non-STC (i.e. field) operation;
  • photovoltaics in practice: different technologies in lab and production (flat plate and concentrator), various device architectures;
  • from cells to modules: module architectures, manufacturing, lifetime & reliability, efficiency definitions, field performance;
  • from modules to systems: basic aspects of system design, systems losses and energy production (specific energy yield, performance ration, capacity factor, etc.)
  • practical applications: examples of PV systems and their performance;
  • economic aspects: system cost (price) components and their evolution, Levelized Cost of Energy(LCoE), grid parity and other indicators;
  • environmental aspects: Life Cycle Analyses (LCA), energy pay-back time, materials availability (supply chain), Cradle-to-Cradle and design-for-recycling approaches.
Solar heat:
  • general introduction to solar heat
  • basic aspects and formulas of heat
  • basic aspects of solar radiation
  • short introduction to heating systems
  • overview of solar thermal collectors
  • overview of heat storage types
  • short introduction to solar cooling
  •  
-short introduction to solar thermal electric power systems
 

Included in programme(s)

School(s)

  • Institute of Engineering
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