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Unit of study_
MECH5275: Renewable Energy
2025 unit information
This unit aims to develop understanding of the engineering design and analysis of different devices and technologies for generating power from renewable sources including: solar, wind, wave, tidal, ocean thermal, geothermal, hydro-electric, and biofuels; to understand the environmental, operational and economic issues associated with each of these technologies. At the end of this unit students will be able to perform in depth technical analysis of different types of renewable energy generation devices using the principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. Students will be able to describe the environmental, economic and operational issues associated with these devices.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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(MECH3260 and MECH3261) or (AMME2262 and CHNG2803 and MECH3261) or (MECH8260 and MECH8261) or (MECH9260 and MECH9261) or (AERO3260 and AERO3261) or (AERO8260 and AERO8261) or (AERO9260 and AERO9261) or equivalent study at another institution |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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The student will need a sound background in advanced level fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. In particular, students should be able to analyse fluid flow in turbomachinery; perform first and second law thermodynamic analysis of energy conversion systems, including chemically reacting systems; and perform advanced level calculations of conductive and convective and radiative heat transfer, including radiative spectral analysis |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. perform technical analysis of different types of renewable energy generation devices using the principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer
- LO2. present balanced and logical arguments with regard to the environmental, economic and operational issues associated with the generation of power using renewable energy devices
- LO3. in collaboration with a small team of peers, design a renewable energy solution using multiple renewable energy sources and storage to supply power to a town or city in Australia.
- LO4. in collaboration with a small group of peers, develop a computational model of a renewable energy solution involving multiple power stations and energy storage hubs, using real weather data as inputs
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
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You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
