Solar Energy - Technology and Systems
Syllabus, Master's level, 1TE028
- Code
- 1TE028
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Energy Technology A1N, Renewable Electricity Production A1N, Technology A1N
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 22 February 2018
- Responsible department
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Entry requirements
120 credits in science/engineering including Moder Physics or Quantum Physics, continuation course.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to
- explain the technical and physical principles of solar cells and solar collectors,
- measure and evaluate different solar energy technologies through knowledge of the physical function of the devices,
- calculate the required size of solar cell systems and solar collectors from a given power need by using appropriate software,
- make critical comparisons of different solar energy systems,
- communicate technological and socio-economic issues around solar energy in a concise and an accessible way to a target group with basic technical skills.
Content
Solar radiation: Properties of sunlight. Absorption by the atmosphere. Calculation of solar irradiance at surfaces.
Solar cells and modules: The function of solar cells from semiconductor physics. Different solar cell technologies and fabrication methods. Concepts for increasing efficiency based on loss analysis. Wavelength sensitivity. Series connection of solar cells to modules. Module function and characteristics. Shading of cells and modules.
Solar cell systems: System components and their functions. Calculating output and dimensioning of solar cell systems. Analysis and computer simulation of a solar cell system.
Concentrated sunlight and solar power (CSP): Properties of optical concentration systems. Solar cells in concentrated sunlight. Overview of the different components in a CSP system and their functions. Examples of CSP-systems globally.
Solar thermal: Thermodynamic description of solar collectors. Optical properties of solar collectors and technologies for fabrication. Solar thermal systems for different applications in Sweden and abroad. Storage of solar generated heat.
Hybrid systems: Combinations of solar thermal and solar cell systems. Overview of different applications. District heating with solar thermal components.
Active solar energy in systems: How large scale deployment of active solar energy is possible in Sweden and globally. Buying and selling heat and electric energy.
Grid aspects of large scale deployment of solar cells.
Instruction
Lectures and seminars. The seminars can be in the form of lessons or discussion sessions. Study visit. Laboratory exercises and computer simulations.
Assessment
Written test at the end of the course, participation in lab exercises and computer simulation sessions (8.5 credits). Active participation in project work and seminars (1.5 credits).
Other regulations
The course can not be included in the same degree as 1TE206, Solar Energy - Technology and Systems, or 1TE678, Solar Energy Technologies for Electricity Production or 1TE713 Solar Thermal Technologies.