MSc Sustainable Energy Technologies

The development of sustainable and renewable methods for power generation is a global priority, motivated by the impacts of fossil fuel use on the environment, as well as dwindling reserves of most fossil fuels. The main challenges in the shift away from fossil-fuel based power generation lie in the development of sustainable energy technologies, from the engineering of new materials to the integration of these technologies into power distribution networks.

In this course students will gain in-depth and advanced knowledge of a diverse range of sustainable energy technologies, including wind, tidal, solar, fuel cells and biomass. The content ranges from fundamental principles to the latest developments in these technologies. The students will be introduced to key enabling technologies, including those for energy storage (electrical, electrochemical, mechanical and thermal) and power distribution.

Students will also attend seminars on project planning/management, ethics, health & safety, report writing, library skills and career management, to help prepare them for the demands of the course and for future study or employment.

This course is aimed at graduate engineers who wish to pursue a career in the energy technologies industry or those wishing to pursue a career in research through PhD study. Teaching is underpinned by research activities in the following areas:

Energy storage (thermal and electrical)

Fuel cells

Electrical and thermal energy systems

Sustainable chemical processes and materials (including sustainable fuel production)

Power systems

Power electronics for the grid

Sustainable cities

The University has links with a wide range of institutions both within the UK and internationally and the School benefits from research collaboration with many of these other academic and industrial organizations.

Course structure and content

The MSc degree (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

1.Eight taught modules (15 credits each): Five core modules and three optional modules (see below)

2. A research project worth 60 credits (see below)

Core modules

Fuel Cells & Energy Storage (ES96X)

Renewable Energy from the Environment (ES4E0)

Electrical Machines and Power Systems (ES96Z)

Bioenergy & Biotechnology

Fuels and Combustion

Optional

Heat Transfer Theory and Design (ES4D9)

Power Electronic Converters and Devices (ES4D4)

Electrical Machines and Power Systems (ES96Z)

Finite Element Methods (ES4B5)

Individual project

The individual research project is an in-depth experimental, theoretical or computational investigation of a topic chosen by you in conjunction with an academic supervisor. Typical project titles include:

Developing and testing an improved solar thermal collector (for hot water)

Gearbox design for wind turbines to withstand electrical faults

Energy footprint of power device fabrication

Mathematical modeling of a zinc-cerium flow battery

Motor drive simulation for hybrid electric vehicles

Power electronic technologies for wind power generation

Intelligent management of distributed generation

Entry requirements

A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree in a relevant branch of engineering or science from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification from an overseas university. For overseas students an English language certificate is also required.

Industrial experience is not a requirement for entry but in cases where the candidate does not satisfy the academic requirements it may be taken into account.

Chartered Engineer status

The MSc Sustainable Energy Technologies degree meets the academic requirement for CEng status, if combined with an accredited first degree.

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