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Alternative Energetics

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to analyze alternative forms of energy, the role of modern energy sources in Latvia and EU. Solar and wind energy utilization, the choice between different options and solutions is being studied. Solar thermal systems for air and water heating design principles, photovoltaic systems, wind generators construction and use, and small scale hydro plants design and operations systems are overviewed as well. Operation of cogeneration plant for heat and electricity generation as well as design principles are being acquired during studies. Fuelwood and fuel gas production, as well as biomass resources, biogas and biofuels production, including costs, tariffs and economic efficiency are being studied as well.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knowledge - of alternative and renewable forms of energy - solar , wind , water, biomass, geothermal, wave and other types of energy - instrumentation, equipment, as well as the theoretical and practical aspects, - study work;
2. Skills - to create and to choose alternative energy sources and equipment in energy supply facilities, to match the different resource use strategies, - study work;

3. Competence - evaluation of interaction and collaboration of different renewable sources of energy, their efficiency and equipment used, - test

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures:
1. Introduction. History of modern energy management. 1h
2. Renewable energy sources in Latvia, EU and Globally. 1h
3. Solar energy, Application of solar heat, Solar collectors. 1h
4. Solar energy, Application of photo-electric effect. 1h
5. Wind energy, Aerodynamic calculations, Vertical and Horizontal turbines. 1h
6. Generators and mechanical systems of wind energy, energy balance. 1h
7. Hydropower – physical principles, plants and equipment. 1h
8. Biomass in energy production, Fuelwood, straw pellets. Gasification process thermal and biological. 2h
9. Biofuel, production, composition, qualities. 1h
10. Geothermal energy. 1h
11. Tidal energy, ocean current energy, wave energy. 1h
12. Cogeneration, Trigeneration, principles, equipment, efficiency. 1h
13. Energy balance, statistics. 1h
14. Economical analysis of Alternative energy. 1h
15. Largest alternative energy projects. 1h

Practical classes:
1. Renewable energy sources in Latvia, EU and Globally. 1h
2. Solar energy - solar collectors. 1h
3. Solar energy – photovoltaic panels. 1h
4. Wind energy. 2h
5. Hydropower. 2h
6. Biomass in energy production. 2h
7. Tidal energy. 2h
8. Burning, Cogeneration, Trigeneration. 2h
9. Energy balance, statistics. 1h

10. Economical analysis of Alternative energy. 2h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Independent study work – Completed

Test – Passed

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students choose individual themes of Independent study work in what one of the problems stated in lectures are described. The aim of this work is to describe a problem in energy sector, to analyze in what way it influences the sector and to give possible solutions.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The criteria for assessment are based on students answers in the test. To be eligible for the test, student’s attendance must be good. Also, all practical classes and individual study work must be completed.

Compulsory reading

1. Galiņš A., Kanceviča L., Laizāns A. Alternatīvās enerģētikas iekārtas. Mācību grāmata. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 316 lpp.

2. Doty S., Turner W.C. Energy Management Handbook. 7th Edition. The Fairmont Press: GA, 2009. 847 p.

Further reading

1. Kaltschmitt M., Streicher W., Wiese A. Renewable Energy - Technology, Economics and Environment. Berlin; New York: Springer, 2007. 564 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Renevable Energy World. Internetžurnāls Pieejams:http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/home

2. National Energy and Climate Plan of Latvia 2021-2030 Pieejams: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/latvia_draftnecp_en.pdf

Notes

Mandatory course of Master study Program Agricultural Engineering sub-program Power engineering, 1st semester