Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Energy Generation and Storage
Code PHYS372
Coordinator Dr JD Major
Physics
Jon.Major@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The module aims to enable students to understand physical concepts related to key sources of energy generation and to carry out related analysis.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Learned the fundamental physical principles underlying energy production using conventional and renewable energy sources

(LO2) Studied the applications of these principles in the design issues power generation

(LO3) An appreciation of the role of mathematics in modelling power generation

(LO4) Developed problem solving skills based on the material presented

(LO5) Developed an appreciation of the problems of supplying the required future energy needs and the scope and issues associated with the different possible methods


Syllabus

 

Solar radiation and capture – Blackbody radiation, Interaction with Earth's atmosphere, Global warming, Geothermal energy, Solar heaters, Fossil fuels.

Thermal transfer processes – Heat engines, P-V diagrams, Carnot cycle, turbines, Solar thermal power

Semiconductor solar cells – Semiconductor doping, p-n junctions, Band diagrams, Current-voltage characteristics, Determination of cell efficiency, Schockley-Queisser maximum power limit, Types of solar cell, Efficiency limits.

Wind Power – Mass continuity, Bernoulli’s equation, Pitot Tube, Viscosity, Lift and drag, Power extraction by turbine, Betz criterion, Blade action, Wind turbine design and operation.

Water based power – Hydroelectric power, Pelton impulse turbine,
Wave power, Physical properties of waves, Wave power convertors, Tidal Power, Origin of tides, Harnessing tidal power.

Energy storage – Chemical storage, Thermal storage, Mechanic al storage, Batteries, Fuel Cells.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

The module will be delivered in person in 2022.

Asynchronous lecture material available for students to watch.
There will then be six 2hr live lecture slots to go recap and go through worked examples/questions related to asynchronous material.

Two tutorial sets with associated 2hr live sessions will also be used to enable students to get formative feedback.

Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

  2

      14
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 61
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
In person time-controlled examination    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
continuous assessment tutorial style questions Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    20       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.