Solar Energy Engineering, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with the basic disciplines in solar energy technology. In this course, we go through how photovoltaic and solar thermal collectors convert solar energy into electricity and heat, respectively. During the course, we cover mono- and multi-crystalline photovoltaics, thin film photovoltaic and new emerging technology in solar cells. The course also addresses PV systems. Furthermore, solar thermal collectors will be studied). The course includes theory, calculations and study visits to PV installations.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

- describe the principles of solar energy and to perform calculations on solar energy,
- describe the basic principles of photovoltaic based on semiconductor materials (bonding models, photogeneration, doping)
- describe thin-film PV technology and crystalline silicon solar cells and its function and construction (PN junction, current and voltage generation),
- describe operation, performance, and design and perform relevant calculations of solar cells,
- describe recent research and technology of solar cells and other ways of using solar energy for conversion to electricity,
- describe PV systems (stand alone, connected to external grids or batteries) and perform simple calculations for these systems,
- analyze the performance of a solar thermal collector system.

Required Knowledge

Heat and mass transfer 10.5 credits or equivalent, Energy sources 7.5 credits or equivalent and  Electromagnetism and wave physics 7.5 credits or equivalent as well English A / 5

Form of instruction

The course is comprised of classroom lecturers, problem solving exercises and project work.

Examination modes

In the written exam, the grades are Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Credit (4) or Pass with Distinction (5). Assignments are given the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G). To obtain grade (3), all assignments must be approved and at least 50% of the maximum points in the written examination are required. For grade (4), all assignments must be approved and receive at least 65% of the maximum points in the examination. For grade (5), all assignments must be approved and receive at least 80% of the maximum marks in the examination.

For students who have not been approved, additional exam opportunities are offered according to a set schedule. A student, who has passed two exams for a course or part of a course without approved results, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons apply (HF chapter 6, section 22). The written request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics.

Exceptions from the syllabus can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form is considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the expected study results outlined in the syllabus. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on a suitable examination form. The student must then be notified about the decision.

Crediting
Credit transfers are always tried individually (see the university guidelines and credit-of-transfer-ordinance). In one degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content. If in doubt, the student should consult the study guide at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three test opportunities (including the regular test opportunity) in accordance with the provisions of the syllabus for which the student was originally enrolled for a maximum of two years from the expiry of the previous syllabus.