Overview
Sustainable engineering practices and climate change are critical topics in current socio-economic and political settings. Meeting the world's energy demand through renewable energy sources and exploring carbon-free alternative energy sources are the highly sought-after solutions. In this unit, you will learn how to apply fundamental laws of physics related to energy and electricity to solve engineering problems. You will also learn the concepts of voltage, and current and use Kirchhoff’s laws to analyse simple direct current (DC) circuits, and learn the fundamentals of alternating currents (AC). This unit also investigates current and future sustainable energy sources comprising solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen, and relevant production processes. This unit also explores the effects of climate change on using renewable energy and the challenges faced in integrating renewable energy into the primary grid. This unit will promote progress toward the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Students are expected to understand and fulfil the unit requirements.
The unit requirements should be emphasised not only in Week 1 but also consistently throughout the term.
Feedback from SUTE
Students expected improved Learning Resources.
Learning materials should be linked to practical applications in engineering and energy, providing students with examples of how theoretical concepts are used in practice. The lecture slides and tutorial problems and solutions should be updated to reflect these changes. Where relevant, multimedia resources should be used to enhance engagement.
Feedback from SUTE
Students expected to identify the learning opportunities from assessments.
Assessments should be reviewed to explicitly reinforce key engineering and energy concepts by incorporating real-world problem-solving scenarios. The Online Test and detailed markers comments should be implemented to guide students on areas of improvement and ensure that assessments progressively build on prior knowledge.
Feedback from SUTE
Students expected more feedback with their graded assessments.
Elaborated feedback should be provided on completed assessment tasks, guiding them on areas for improvement and fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Feedback from SUTE
Students found it difficult to identify the useful knowledge base and skills gained in completing the unit.
Each week's content should be clearly mapped to specific learning outcomes and provide a structured overview at the beginning of the term. A weekly summary highlighting key skills and knowledge gained should be integrated.
Feedback from SUTE
Students found it difficult to identify the relevance of this unit to the course they are studying.
Students should be consistently informed about the alignment of unit learning outcomes and assessments with the graduate attributes.
- Solve engineering problems incorporating energy, work, heat, and heat transfer.
- Understand the electrical fundamentals, including current, voltage, and resistance.
- Analyse basic direct current (DC) circuits.
- Understand the fundamentals of alternating currents (AC) and voltages, their generation, and applications.
- Explore different renewable energy sources, their production processes, storage, applications, and integration into existing systems.
- Produce a professional report by investigating technical and socio-economic aspects on a given renewable energy application.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1N 2N 3N 4N)
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 5N 6N)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 5N)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities, and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 5N 6N)
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 5N 6N)
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 6N)
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 6N)
3.3 Creative, innovative, and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 6N)
Intermediate
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 2I 3I)
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1N 2I 3N 4N 5N)
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 6I)
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Online Test - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Renewable Energy Systems
- 1st Edition (2014)
- Authors: David M. Buchla Thomas E. Kissell Thomas L. Floyd
- Pearson
- ISBN: 9780132622516
e-Textbook ISBN: 9780133082012
Print Textbook ISBN: 9780132622516
e-Textbook ISBN: 9780133082012
Print Textbook ISBN: 9780132622516
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.desilva@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 04 Nov 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to the Unit: ENEG11009
Introduction to Energy and Energy Conversion
Chapter
Unit Resource Online
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 11 Nov 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to Heat, Heat Transfer, and Work
Chapter
Unit Resource Online
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 18 Nov 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to Electrical Fundamentals
Chapter
Unit Resource Online and Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 25 Nov 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to Rotational Motion and Alternating Current Fundamentals
Chapter
Unit Resource Online, Chapter 2, and Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 02 Dec 2024Module/Topic
Generators and Principles of Renewable Energy and Renewable Energy Sources
Chapter
Chapter 13 and Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progressive Quiz 1: Due Week 5 Friday
Week 6
Begin Date: 09 Dec 2024Module/Topic
Solar Energy: Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and Solar Power Systems
Chapter
Chapter 3, and 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 16 Dec 2024Module/Topic
Solar Energy: Solar Power Systems, Solar Tracking, Charge Controllers, and Inverters
Chapter
Chapter 4, 5 and 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 23 Dec 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 30 Dec 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 06 Jan 2025Module/Topic
Wind Energy: Wind Power Systems and Wind Turbine Control
Chapter
Chapter 7 and 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 13 Jan 2025Module/Topic
Energy from Water
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 20 Jan 2025Module/Topic
Fuel Cells and Energy Storage
Chapter
Chapter 12 and Unit Resource Online
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 27 Jan 2025Module/Topic
The Electrical Power Grid
Chapter
Chapter 13 and 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 03 Feb 2025Module/Topic
Effects of using Renewable Energy Sources and Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 10 Feb 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment item is a set of online quizzes that can be accessed via the unit Moodle site.
- Progressive Quizzes are an integral part of the study to test the concepts studied each week.
- Details of the assessment can be found on the unit Moodle site at the beginning of the term.
- Each Progressive Quiz will be available for up to 2 weeks to allow students who cannot find the time each week to study. For example, Progressive Quiz One will open in Week 3 and close at the end of Week 5. Progressive Quiz two will open in Week 6 and close at the end of Week 8. Progressive Quiz three will open in Week 9 and close at the end of Week 11.
- Each Progressive Quiz can be attempted a maximum of 3 times, the score for each Progressive Quiz will be the score for your highest attempt. The correct answer for the Progressive Quiz questions will be available immediately after you submit your answers.
- If you encounter any network access issues during the Progressive Quiz, the unit coordinator should be notified at your earliest convenience.
3
Other
Immediate feedback. Marks will be available in the unit Moodle on completion of the quiz.
Full marks will be awarded for each correct answer, with no penalties for wrong answers. Each assessment can be attempted a maximum of 3 times, and the score for each Progressive Quiz will be based on the maximum mark obtained.
- Solve engineering problems incorporating work, energy, heat and heat transfer
- Analyse simple Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) circuits
2 Case Study
- This online test would assess you on what you have learnt from Week 1 to Week 5.
- Questions may consist of a mix of numerical as well as descriptive answer questions. Numerical questions may involve problem solving and calculations.
- It will be held during Week 6.
- The duration is 2 hours.
- Hand written solutions on A4 sheets and uploading to the Unit Moodle site is required immediately after the test.
Week 6 Monday (9 Dec 2024) 10:00 am AEST
Submitted through the unit Moodle site as a PDF file.
Week 8 Monday (6 Jan 2025)
It is endeavoured to provide feedback within 2 weeks of submission.
- It is essential to show all steps in the solution.
- Each answer will be marked based on the calculation accuracy.
- Explore different sustainable energy sources and their applications
- Identify energy production processes and storage systems
- Explore the socio-economic and technical challenges with integrating renewable energy in existing systems
- Work individually and collaboratively in a team to prepare professional reports by investigating authentic engineering problems.
3 Project (applied)
In this project you are expected to:
- Select a location from a given list of locations and
- Analyse the energy needs of the selected location,
- Evaluate renewable energy options, and
- Recommend a renewable energy solution.
- Apply taught theories and processes for quantifying energy production to justify your recommendations.
- Finally, you will need to produce a professional report and submit it on or before the deadline through the Unit Moodle site.
Exam Week Monday (10 Feb 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Submitted through the unit Moodle site as a single PDF file.
It is endeavoured to provide marks within 2 weeks of submission.
- Assessment criteria includes,
- Terminology : use of topic and discipline specific terminology
- Comprehension : demonstration of a thorough understanding renewable energy concepts and referencing to research
- Analysis and Evaluation : appraised and justified selected location, energy production, energy calculation, risks, ethical considerations and social implications
- Organisation and selection of subject matter : relevant information is conveyed logically using report conventions
- Referencing, use of formal language, and Formatting : use of Harvard referencing with consistent use of objective language, and following given formatting instructions.
- A Marking Rubric is provided on Moodle that includes indicators of attainment at the 'Excellent', 'Very Good', 'Good', and 'Unacceptable' for the Project based assignment.
- The rubric explains expectations through indicators of attainment at various attainment levels.
- Understanding the marking rubric is critical to achieve good grades for this assessment.
- Solve engineering problems incorporating work, energy, heat and heat transfer
- Analyse simple Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) circuits
- Explore different sustainable energy sources and their applications
- Identify energy production processes and storage systems
- Explore the socio-economic and technical challenges with integrating renewable energy in existing systems
- Work individually and collaboratively in a team to prepare professional reports by investigating authentic engineering problems.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
