Sustainable Energy and Power Conversion

Unit code: NEM3003 | Study level: Undergraduate

Credit points

(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

NEF1006 - Fundamentals of Electrical Systems; or

NEF1205 - Engineering Fundamentals; and

NEM3002 - Thermofluids for Sustainability; or

NEM3103 - Thermodynamics 2

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

Overview

In this unit, you will explore how mechanical, electrical, and thermofluid systems integrate to enable efficient and sustainable power generation. You will analyse how energy is converted, transferred, and stored across technologies such as hydro, geothermal, and thermal systems, using both computational modelling and experimental data to evaluate performance, safety, and reliability.
The unit emphasises sustainable design, systems integration, and innovation in renewable energy applications. Through project-based learning, you will assess how renewable technologies interact with storage and grid systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By the end of the unit, you will be equipped to design, evaluate, and communicate advanced power conversion solutions that balance technical excellence, sustainability, and human-centred engineering practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Critically evaluate alternative power generation systems in terms of technical performance, human-centred design, and environmental sustainability;
Apply thermofluid and electrical principles to analyse and evaluate performance of hydro, geothermal, and thermal systems using computational and experimental data;
Assess integration of renewable technologies with energy storage and grid systems to optimise sustainability and efficiency;
Evaluate electromechanical conversion systems for efficiency, safety, and sustainability across diverse applications; and
Exemplify collaborative skills to prepare and present professional reports that communicate performance, environmental, and ethical aspects of power system design.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise

Grade: 15%

In-class circuit and system modelling task applying thermofluid and electrical principles to renewable power systems (Individual) (45 mins)

Assessment type: Project

Grade: 35%

Hybrid microgrid case study (Group) (3000 words)

Assessment type: Test

Grade: 50%

Problem-solving Task on thermofluid and electrical machine principles to sustainable energy systems (Individual) (120 mins)

Exercise: This secure in-class assessment ensures authenticity by requiring each student to individually analyse and model renewable power systems under supervised conditions. Real-time reasoning and unpredictable parameters verify individual understanding and application of thermofluid and electrical concepts.

Project: Group hybrid microgrid case study integrating thermofluid, electrical, and storage systems to evaluate efficiency and sustainability. Each student’s contribution will be assessed through milestone documentation, collaborative reporting, and project presentation.

Test: This secure invigilated test ensures authenticity by requiring students to solve analytical and applied problems in sustainable energy conversion and electromechanical systems. Unpredictable scenarios confirm independent capability and comprehension of interdisciplinary energy principles.

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):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)

NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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