Course code Ener4038

Credit points 4.50

Renewable Energy and Energy Economy I

Total Hours in Course120

Number of hours for lectures32

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours72

Date of course confirmation08.12.2015

Responsible UnitInstitute of Engineering and Energetics

Course developers

author prof.

Aigars Laizāns

Dr. sc. ing.

author Inženiertehnikas un enerģētikas institūts

Liene Kanceviča

Dr. sc. ing.

Replaced course

EnerB001 [GENRB001] Renewable Energy and Energy Economy

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to acquire alternative sources of energy. Properties, advantages and disadvantages, principles of renewable energy source application are analyzed, importance of renewable energy sources in Latvia, EU and from global context are discussed. Equipment, and technologies used in energy acquiring process from renewable sources are studied. Main focus is devoted to solar, wind, water and biomass energy aspects. The solar photovoltaic installations and solar collectors, wind turbines and parks, hydro-power plants are observed. Economic evaluation and business activities are covered.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - the types, structure and operation of solar, wind, water and biomass energy equipment and systems, the principles of management of these systems, the methods of technical and economic evaluation – grade with a mark;
Skills - assess the efficiency of the use of renewable resources and the adequacy of use, calculate energy parameters and make the choice of equipment and technologies – grade with a mark;

Competence - to make a choice of alternative energy sources for the energy supply of a specific object, to compare technologies and equipment for the efficient and economically justified use of renewable resources – grade with a mark.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Introductory lesson. Energy sources, their types, extraction. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
2. Use of energy resources and impact on the environment. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
3. Solar energy, its conversion into heat. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
4. Solar photovoltaic converters. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
5. Wind energy, its converters. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
6. Wind turbine design and control. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
7. Water on Earth, principles of hydropower. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
8. Current power equipment. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
9. Energy equipment in hydropower. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
10. Floods in hydropower. (lecture 1 h + practical work 1 h)
11. Use of biomass for energy production. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
12. Devices for energy production from biomass. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
13. Energy wood. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
14. Use of grasses in energy. (lecture 1 h + practical work 1 h)
15. Improving energy quality. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
16. Use of renewable energy resources to ensure commercial activity. (lecture 2 h + practical work 1 h)
17. Test on the acquired theory. 2 h
Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

During the practical work, the student prepares a small presentation about a device, within the framework of the acquired material. The grade can be obtained by writing a test, in accordance with the requirements, about the theory acquired in the course, presenting the prepared materials.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Assessment of study results is based on the student’s knowledge of the acquired subject.

Compulsory reading

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

2. Barkāns J. Enerģijas ražošana. Rīga: RTU, 2001. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 5.12.2015.]. Pieejams: http://www.eef.rtu.lv/doc/studiju_materiali/012.pdf.

Further reading

1. Strautiņš P. Skatījums uz iespējām, riskiem un risinājumiem Latvijas enerģētikā. 2008. 84 lpp. [Tiešsaiste] [skatīts 15.12.2015.]. Pieejams: https://www.swedbank.lv/files/analitiskie_materiali/analitiskas_diskusijas/energetika.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

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

2. International Network of Sustanable energy. Pieejams: http://www.inforse.dk

Notes

Compulsory course in full-time and part-time studies of TF professional higher education bachelor study program Applied Energy Engineering.