Renewable Energy System Design
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, you will design renewable-energy systems that enable the transition to a sustainable global future. You will combine technical knowledge in circuits, power systems, digital technologies and project management to develop integrated generation, storage, and control solutions. Using advanced modelling and performance analysis, you will evaluate efficiency, cost, and environmental outcomes to ensure robust system operation. You will also incorporate financial, risk management, regulatory, and ethical dimensions into your design process, balancing creativity with accountability. By the end of this unit, you will be able to lead and justify renewable-energy projects that are technically advanced, commercially sound, and socially responsible.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Integrate disciplinary expertise to conceive advanced renewable projects addressing complex societal needs;
- Exhibit skills in leading collaborative teams to plan and deliver inclusive, ethical, and sustainable energy system.
- Innovate design frameworks that balance performance, risk, regulation, and community well-being;
- Synthesise and communicate outcomes using evidence-based technical and professional reasoning; and
- Evaluate team and individual contributions through reflective and professional accountability.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 15%
Concept canvas and constraint analysis (Group) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 35%
In-studio system integration demonstration (Group) (30 mins)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 50%
Stakeholder presentation and reflection (Individual) (10 minutes)
Report: Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.
Practicum: This secure assessment ensures accountability by observing the group’s system integration process in real time. Collaboration, technical implementation, and team problem-solving will be assessed, and unpredictable questions and live evaluation of reasoning and applied skills verifies individual understanding.
Presentation: This secure assessment requires students to present their design to stakeholders, including by unpredictable Q&A to assess each student’s understanding and critical reasoning. Students produce industry-standard outputs, and their work is further validated by an individual reflection.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):