Outline of Theory:

• Methods of analysis of solar radiation. Solar panels, types, efficiency, calculations.
• Active and passive solar systems for heating and cooling. Heat storage methods.
• Photovoltaic method of electricity production. Agricultural and industrial applications of solar energy.
• Wind and mechanical power generation systems. Wind generators. Methods for estimating wind potential, selection of wind turbine location.
• Production, storage and utilization systems of biomass products.
• Energy from the sea (waves, tide, temperature difference). Geothermal. Small hydroelectric projects.
• Parameter optimization when exploiting mild forms of energy.

Lab Outline:

• Familiarity with the real hybrid network of electricity generation from renewable sources, with an installed capacity of 3 kW of the laboratory. Demonstration, familiarization and measurements of photovoltaic panels with their inverters, small wind turbine and battery packs.
• Introduction to the concept of smart microgrid, description of its architecture taking and processing of measurements in real time with the measurement collection system from the PC and from the screen of the autonomous inverter (island inverter).
• Autonomous operation of the network with energy sources, photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, batteries and as an auxiliary source, the strong network of PPC and vice versa. Taking measurements and receiving meteorological data.
• Introduction to the technology of electricity production from ethanol solution, beer, wine. Introduction to the technology of production and storage of hydrogen using electricity from a wind turbine. Real-time measurements on PC.
• Performance comparison for different fuel type (ethanol solution, beer wine). Effect of temperature on the process. Comparison of water electrolysis process with the use of wind turbine and batteries. Measurement of output quantities of the hydrogen fuel cell for various electrical charges.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the production and management of energy from renewable sources. Almost all methods of energy production, management and storage are analyzed, emphasizing the most dynamic and applied in our country. The students’ approach to the above methods is strengthened during the laboratory teaching during which they manage the actually installed systems of renewable sources. Students are required to participate in a sufficient number of laboratory exercises that include all the basic renewable sources and are required to submit weekly assignments. They are also familiar with the simulation of facilities with renewable sources and the use of specialized software that supports the operation of such facilities.

Upon successful completion of course the student will be able to:

1. Understand the operation of the various systems for the utilization of solar, wind energy, biomass and geothermal energy.

2. To know the measurement and calculation of their performance.

3. To evaluate a system of renewable energy sources in relation to its energy, environmental and social dimension.

4. Understand the concept and operation of hybrid systems and smart grids.

5. To dimension and monitor the operation of real energy production facilities from

renewable sources.

Introduction to RES

-

I) - Type: Deliveries (50% of the total)

- Description: Theoretical Background

- Exam Date: End of Semester

II) - Type: Laboratory Exercises (50% of the total)

- Description: Combination of understanding and application

- Exam Date: End of Semester

[1]   Solar engineering of thermal processes / John A. Duffie, William A. Beckman, Wiley, 1991.

[2]   Advances in Solar Energy by Karl Boer (Editor), American Solar Energy Society, American Solar Energy Society, 1998.

[3]    Photovoltaic Systems Engineering by Jerry Ventre, Roger A. Messenger, CRC Press, 1999.

[4]   Photovoltaics by Randall Thomas, E & F N Spon, 2001.

[5]   Solar Electricity, 2nd Edition by T. Markvart (Editor), K. Bogus, John Wiley & Sons, 2000.