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Alternative Energies

Home / Oferta Formativa / Coimbra Institute of Engineering / Master / Master in Mechanical Engineering

Base Knowledge

Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering or other similar areas.

Teaching Methodologies

In lectures the theoretical concepts about each alternatives energy technologies are presented. In the practical classes there are presented some case-studies and real cases application. In some specific areas experts are invited to carry out seminars. During the laboratory classes, the students have contact with software tools of energy systems production design and they also make visits to technical installations of energy production.

Learning Results

To familiarize students with the different forms of alternative energy sources, namely renewable energy sources, and with its basis concepts of energy production. To develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed for selection of the more appropriate alternative energy systems, taking into account factors such as efficiency, safety, environmental impact and economic incentives.

Program

  1. Introducing alternative energy sources: installed power; contribution to a sustainable future.
  2. Legislation and economical aspects: policies; incentives; mini and microgeneration.
  3. Solar photovoltaics: solar radiation; PV technologies; electrical characteristics; PV systems.
  4. Geothermal energy: overview; geothermal resources; applications; ground source heat pumps.
  5. Fuel cells: overview; fuel cell technologies; applications; hydrogen production.
  6. Biomass: Types of biomass; Energy conversion technologies; Applications.
  7. Biogas: Resource potential; Production, extraction, treatment and use; Environmental aspects; Applications.
  8. Biofuels: Conventional and advanced biofuels; Technical and environmental implications.
  9. Ocean energy: Energy extraction technologies; Applications.
  10. Hydroelectricity: small scale hydroelectricity; technologies; applications.
  11. Wind energy: potential; technologies; design considerations; applications.
  12. Solar thermal energy: introducing solar thermal energy; solar thermal energy systems; design and considerations.

Curricular Unit Teachers

Anabela Duarte Carvalho

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

Recommended Bibliography
Hodge, B. K. (2010). Alternative Energy Systems and Applications. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-470-14250-9. (disponível na Biblioteca do ISEC, cota 1-2-573)
Boyle, G. (2004). Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0-19-926178-4 (disponível na Biblioteca do ISEC, cota 1-11-57)
IRENA (2019). Global energy transformation: A roadmap to 2050 (2019 edition), International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi. (https://www.irena.org/publications)
Projecto GREENPRO (2004). Energia Solar Térmica: Manual sobre tecnologias, projecto e instalação. (https://www.portal-energia.com)
GDS (2010). Planning and installing solar thermal systems: a guide for installers architects and engineers, 2nd ed. New York, Earthscan. ISBN 978-1-84407-760-1 (disponível na Biblioteca do ISEC, cota 1-11-106)
Pedagogical texts developed by teachers, articles, legislation (standards, guidelines, regulations) and other documents (available on the InforEstudante academic platform).

Complementary Bibliography
IRENA (2020). Global Renewables Outlook: Energy transformation 2050. International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi. ISBN 978-92-9260-238-3. (https://www.irena.org/publications)
Morais, J. L. (2009). Sistemas Fotovoltaicos da Teoria à Prática. Porto, Engebook. ISBN: 978-989-96101-0-1 (disponível na Biblioteca do ISEC, cota 1-11-29)
Patel R. M. and Beik O. (2021). Wind and Solar Power Systems: Design, Analysis, and Operation (3rd Ed). CRC Press. ISBN 9780367476939
Sathyajith, M. (2006). Wind Energy: Fundamentals, Resource Analysis and Economics. Springer. ISBN:978-3-540-30905-5.
Nabais, J.F. (2005). Sector dos Transportes: uma perspectiva energética e ambiental, 2ª edição. ETEP. ISBN: 978-972-8480-08-0.
EC (2017). Sustainable and optimal use of biomass for energy in the EU beyond 2020 – Final Report. (https://ec.europa.eu/energy/studies_main/finalstudies_en)
IRENA (2016). Boosting Biofuels: Sustainable Paths to Greater Energy Security. ISBN: 978-92-95111-84-4 (https://www.irena.org)
ICLEI (2009). Manual para Aproveitamento de Biogás: volume 1 – Aterros Sanitários. ISBN: 978-85-99093-06-1 (https://e-lib.iclei.org)
ICLEI (2010). Manual para Aproveitamento de Biogás: volume 2 – Efluentes Urbanos. ISBN: 978-85-99093-03-0 (https://e-lib.iclei.org)
Khann J. and Bhuyan G.S. (2009). Ocean Energy: Global Technology Development Status, Final technical report. IEA. (http://www.energybc.ca)
EUROSTAT (2020). Energy, transport and environment statistics – 2020 edition. ISBN 978-92-76-20736-8 (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat)