StudyQA — Master: Sustainable Energy Technologies

Photos of university / #universityofwarwick

Description Contents Requirements

Do you want to help power the world? We’re running out of fossil fuels fast and it’s more important than ever to find new sustainable and renewable sources of energy. This involves meeting challenges such as engineering new technologies and considering how these technologies can be integrated into power distribution networks.

This course will offer you advanced knowledge of a diverse range of sustainable energy technologies, including wind, tidal, solar, fuel cells and biomass. From the fundamental principles to the latest developments in these technologies, you’ll learn about key enabling technologies for energy storage (electrical, electrochemical, mechanical and thermal) and power distribution.

You’ll also develop skills in project management, ethics, and health and safety. These skills will leave you well prepared for an active future career in the energy technology industry or further academic research in the field.

The MSc degree (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

Eight taught modules (15 credits each): Five core modules and three optional modules (see below)
A research project worth 60 credits (see below)

Core modules

Fuel Cells and Energy Storage (ES96X)

This module introduces you to the principles of energy storage and fuel cell technologies, together with their applications. You will gain a firm grounding in the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics of electrochemical cells, factors affecting performance, requirements for different application areas and economic/technological barriers. Guest lectures from industry will discuss in detail the R&D needs for next generation fuel cell and battery technologies.

Renewable Energy (ES4E0)

This module assesses the main renewable energy technologies, including details of the engineering design and development. The course adopts an active solution-seeking approach, assessing existing and proposed renewable energy systems against economic, engineering and other criteria. Two of the most promising technologies, wind power and solar energy, are covered in some depth. Geothermal, biomass, ocean and hydro power are also studied.

Operation and Control of Power Systems (ES97A)

This module aims to present the current (advanced) technologies and trends in development that will shape future electrical power systems. During this module, you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the construction, operation and control principles of power systems. The challenges posed in operating advanced systems and the safe utilisation of current generation/modern power system facilities are also covered.

Bioenergy and Biotechnology (ES97B)

This module provides gives you a sound understanding of biomass feedstocks, first and second generation biofuels, bioheat and biopower, energy from waste and biorefineries. Technologies, regulatory and fiscal drivers, logistics and environmental impacts, power trading schemes and process integration are also covered.

Fuels and Combustion (ES4E4)

During this module you will develop a comprehensive understanding of fuels and the main combustion based technologies, including emerging technologies and the types of fuels (including biofuels) used for combustion. The module covers the fundamentals of combustion and the developments in conventional fuel use, options for alternative fuels and technologies and novel combustion technologies for a more sustainable future.

Optional modules (choose 3)

Heat Transfer Theory and Design (ES4D9)
Power Electronic Converters and Devices (ES4D4)
Electrical Machines and Drives (ES96Z)
Finite Element Methods (ES4B5)

Individual project (ES93P)

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 modelling 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

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.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum score of 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0)
PTE (Academic) with a minimum score of 69
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 92 in the internet-based test (iBT).
Personal Statement
Transcripts