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ENME414

Energy Resources and Technology

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to Energy Resources (6 hours)
    1. Basic concepts of energy
    2. Energy resources and utilization
    3. Energy flow analysis: Sankey diagrams and basic energy balance concepts
    4. Classification of energy resources
    5. Conventional and non-conventional commercial energy resources
    6. Commercial and non-commercial energy resources
    7. Energy scenario and security: global and Nepal energy scenario, energy mix and energy security
    8. Environmental impacts and sustainability
  2. Solar Energy (8 hours)
    1. Basics of solar energy: solar radiation fundamentals and solar geometry, measurement of solar radiation and instruments, solar resource assessment at a site
    2. Solar thermal: principles of solar thermal energy conversion and collectors, solar water heating systems (active/passive, flat plate/evacuated tube), solar drying and cooking systems, overview of concentrating solar power (CSP)
    3. Solar PV: working principle of PV cells and types of PV technologies, I-V and P-V characteristics, PV modules and arrays (STC, NOCT, array losses), performance factors and layout considerations, PV system components and basic design for captive applications and water pumping, PV system configurations (off-grid, grid-connected, hybrid)
  3. Bio Energy (5 hours)
    1. Bio-energy and biomass resources
    2. Biomass to energy conversion processes
    3. Energy from industrial and municipal waste
    4. Biogas plants: working principle, components and construction, types of digesters, factors affecting biogas generation
    5. Biomass pyrolysis and gasification process and their applications in industries
  4. Wind Energy (4 hours)
    1. Wind energy resources, measurement techniques and site assessment
    2. Principles of wind energy conversion, wind power density and Betz's limit
    3. Types and characteristics of wind turbines and their components
    4. Wind turbine control systems including pitch, stall, yaw control and power electronics
    5. Wind farming: wind turbulence, locations (offshore and onshore), wind and solar hybrid power plants for mini-grid applications
  5. Micro and Small Hydro Power Systems (7 hours)
    1. Principle of hydropower systems, components and classifications
    2. Hydro turbines for micro and small hydro power plants: principle, selection methods
    3. Micro and mini hydropower system: application in Nepal, site investigation/feasibility study, head and flow measurement methods, construction/operation/maintenance with focus on mechanical system, electrical transmission and distribution
    4. Hydropower system sizing and design consideration, flow duration curve
  6. Non-conventional Sources and Nuclear Energy (6 hours)
    1. Geothermal energy
    2. Energy from co-generation (CHP) and its application in industries
    3. Hydrogen energy: fuel cells and hydrogen fuel system, hydrogen production processes, infrastructure for production, storage and utilization
    4. Nuclear energy: nuclear reactions, fission and fusion technologies, nuclear power plant and working principle, health hazards, radiation protection and shielding
    5. Emerging renewable energy technologies
  7. Energy Storage System (4 hours)
    1. Different forms of energy storage: electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, and their applications
    2. Battery fundamentals and types: lead-acid, lithium-ion, LFP, NMC, flow batteries
    3. Super-capacitor: construction, working principle, performance features and applications
    4. Smart grids: concept, components and role in modern power systems
    5. EV integration: G2V and V2G concepts
    6. Recent advancements in energy storage technologies and emerging trends
  8. Energy Efficiency and Financial Analysis (5 hours)
    1. Energy conservation, energy efficiency and energy management
    2. Energy saving measures in industry and other sectors
    3. Energy star ratings and industrial efficiency standards
    4. Energy audit concept, needs and types
    5. Financial analysis of an energy project (NPV, IRR and payback), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), case study of a sample renewable energy project

Practicals

  1. Measurement of solar radiation using a pyranometer or reference cell and analysis of solar angles for a location
  2. Assemble a small PV system, measure I-V characteristics under different conditions, and analyze effects of shading and tilt angle
  3. Study and evaluation of a solar water heating system under different operating conditions
  4. Study of the construction, working principle and operation of a biogas plant through a field visit
  5. Study of the construction, components and operation of a wind turbine through a field visit
  6. Study of the layout, components and operation of a micro or small hydropower system through a field visit
  7. Conduct an energy audit of a small building or industry, identify energy losses and propose efficiency improvement measures

Evaluation

Final exam questions cover all chapters. Approximate marks distribution (total 60 marks over 45 hours):

  1. Introduction to Energy Resources: 10 marks
  2. Solar Energy: 10 marks
  3. Bio Energy and Wind Energy: 10 marks
  4. Micro and Small Hydro Power Systems: 10 marks
  5. Non-conventional Sources and Nuclear Energy: 10 marks
  6. Energy Storage System and Energy Efficiency and Financial Analysis: 10 marks