Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Renewable Electrical Energy Systems

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr. Manoj Datta

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: manoj.datta@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

You should have completed a programming course and several mathematical courses. You should be able to analyse electrical energy circuits and conduct mathematical analyses. It is assumed that you have a broad scientific and engineering background and can for example perform energy balance analysis of renewable energy systems.


Course Description

This course will introduce you to renewable electrical energy systems, their characteristics, design procedures and economic analysis. Major renewable energy sources such as solar PV and Wind will be covered in detail. The emphasis is on the design and analysis of practical renewable electrical energy systems as well as on the distributed generation, recent grid codes and economic analysis of renewable energy sources in the context of a smart grid.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

  • MC234
  • MC180

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO1 Optimise the performance of Solar PV systems through a Systems Engineering design approach.

CLO2 Apply mathematically advanced models and tools to Wind power systems production, control and evaluation.

CLO3 Appraise the relative performance of energy storage systems and their components.

CLO4 Design a practical and economically viable renewable energy-based advanced microgrid

CLO5 Critically review distributed generation technologies, standards and approaches in the global smart grid contexts.

CLO6 Apply state-of-the-art industry standards and practices to grid-connected renewable energy system design and implementation.

CLO7 Create engineering project deliverables through professional teamwork, collaboration, and communication strategies.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Viewing weekly pre-recorded lecture videos will guide you to important theoretical concepts and principles of renewable energy systems.
  • Weekly lectorials will allow you to attempt a range of renewable generator-based mathematical and design problems and receive feedback on solution strategies.
  • Weekly laboratory classes will guide you through modelling, simulating and developing renewable energy systems.
  • Microgrid design workshops will guide you to design and perform a feasibility analysis of a microgrid using industrial/professional design tools. 


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources include:

  • Videos and lecture notes.
  • Lectorial problems and solutions. 
  • Prescribed and recommended reference books and reading materials: for details see the course guide Part B.
  • Professional and Industrial design tools and software during the laboratory classes.
  • Online course contents and materials available on the course Canvas.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes, 20%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5 and CLO6
Assessment Task 2: Assessment, 20%, CLO1 and CLO2
Assessment Task 3: Lab Exercises, 30%, CLOs 1, CLO2, CLO4 and CLO7
Assessment Task 4: Design Assignment, 30%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6 and CLO7

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.