Renewable Energy Systems Design and Analysis Assignment

The assignment should produce sufficient evidence for partial fulfilment of the module learning outcomes 1, 2 and fulfilment of the module learning outcomes 3-5:

 

(1) Comprehensively explore the scientific principles, procedures and methodologies of renewable energy systems design, integration and analysis.

(2) Comprehensively explore and critically evaluate the technical aspects of stand-alone and grid- connected operation of renewable energy systems including storage options.

(3) Analyse the performance of individual renewable energy systems.

(4) Critically evaluate available renewable resource for specific projects.

(5) Design and size renewable energy systems both manually and with the use of specialized software; project management, group work and communication of design solutions.

Part A - Individual Work: Analysis and evaluation of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system

Aim and tasks:

The aim is to analyse the performance of a PV system using monitored data and specialized simulation software; to design and critically evaluate a grid connected PV system using specialized software

Task A: System Performance based on Monitored Data

You will work with monitored data from the PV system on the roof of the Media Building on UCLan campus in Preston. Data, system diagrams and information will be provided on Blackboard. Use any software tool (e.g. Excel/Matlab) for your analysis.

1. Critically evaluate
a. the technical design of the system and
b. the available data

2. Conduct an analysis of the system performance based on critical evaluation of the following system parameters:
a. System efficiency
b. System yield
c Performance ratio

Task B: System Simulation in PVSYST and Model Validation

Use the layout of the building, the electrical drawing and the system information provided and simulate the PV system on the roof of Media Building in PVSYST software. Validate your modelling results using the monitored data for comparison.

Assignment report: (1,500 words)

You are required to provide a report of approximately 1,500 words to address the points mentioned in Task A, Task B. Your report should also include introduction and conclusions.

Part B - Group Design Project: Autonomous energy system (micro-grid) (Groups of 3-5 students)

Aim and tasks:

The aim is to design an autonomous energy system, based on renewable energy technologies, in order to meet specific needs in a remote area where grid-connection is not available

 

The location is a remote outpost in Westray Orkney Island in Scotland. You can specify either a medical centre equipped with the basic hospital facilities, or a scientific station which require energy to satisfy their requirements. There is no grid connection and all the power and heat will need to be supplied by a local station which you are to design. The design principle of this local station is the utilization of as much renewable energy as is practicable.

Your work should include the following:

1. Location information (e.g. availability of energy resource) and the building(s); e.g. building geometry, type of equipment, and demand.
2. A feasibility analysis to specify the technology mix
3. Justification of your choices in terms of the system design
4. Project plan, Gantt chart, diagram(s) of the electrical layout of the system and presentation sketches or drawings or models
5. Explanation of the anticipated performance of your system; demonstrate how it will meet the anticipated demand ( e.g. using Matlab simulation)
6. Estimation of the build time and cost of the system

 

Resources: On-line sources, lecture handouts, library books, software available at the School including Matlab, Excel, PVSyst, ANSYS and CATIA, free available software and on-line data

Assignment report: (2,500 words ±20% words)

Each group is required to provide a 2,500 (±20%) words report plus figures, references and, if necessary, appendices. The report should also include an introduction and a conclusions session. The chapters of each report should have the name of the author(s) of the specific chapter. A page that describes the contribution of each student of a group to the group work should also be provided with the report.