Unit Code: PHY701
Unit Title: Renewable Energy
The unit introduces students to renewable energy, its forms, availability and accessibility, in the context of small developing countries such as the Solomon Islands. The unit starts off with a consideration of energy and how it is created, harnessed and put to useful purposes. The differences between renewable and conventional (fossil fuel) energy are explained. Renewable energy forms such as solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectricity, biogas, and hot springs are considered in detail. Power generation, transmission and distribution are also considered for Renewable Energy Systems (RETs). Issues such as the environmental aspects, economics, system and component efficiencies are dealt with. Students taking this unit carry out a set of experiments in the first half of the semester before embarking on group projects.