Renewable Energy & Engineering Curriculum

A comprehensive project-based learning experience where students design, build, and test solar thermal collectors while mastering renewable energy, engineering principles, and IoT technology.

Course Modules

Module 1: Solar Energy Fundamentals

2-3 weeks

Understanding solar radiation, sun position, and energy potential calculations

Key Topics:

  • Solar radiation spectrum
  • Sun geometry calculations
  • Local solar resource assessment

Hands-on Activities:

  • Build sundials
  • Measure sun angles
  • Create solar position charts

Module 2: Heat Transfer & Thermal Dynamics

2-3 weeks

Master heat transfer mechanisms and thermal collector design principles

Key Topics:

  • Conduction, convection, radiation
  • Thermal collector design
  • Insulation principles

Hands-on Activities:

  • Test absorber materials
  • Measure heat loss
  • Build test collectors

Module 3: Electronics & Control Systems

3-4 weeks

Program ESP32 microcontrollers and implement sensor integration

Key Topics:

  • ESP32 programming
  • Sensor integration
  • Control algorithms

Hands-on Activities:

  • Temperature monitoring
  • Automatic tracking systems
  • Web dashboards

Module 4: Mechanical Design & Manufacturing

2-3 weeks

Design tracking systems and fabricate collector components

Key Topics:

  • Tracking system design
  • Materials selection
  • Manufacturing techniques

Hands-on Activities:

  • Build tracking mechanisms
  • Test tubing configurations
  • Practice assembly

Module 5: System Integration & Testing

2-3 weeks

Integrate components, develop testing protocols, and analyze performance

Key Topics:

  • System integration
  • Testing methodologies
  • Troubleshooting

Hands-on Activities:

  • Assemble collectors
  • Outdoor testing
  • Performance comparison

Module 6: Data Analysis & Presentation

1-2 weeks

Analyze performance data, create reports, and present findings

Key Topics:

  • Data analysis techniques
  • Technical communication

Hands-on Activities:

  • Performance dashboards
  • Technical presentations
  • Peer reviews

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Breakdown

Project Proposal

Initial design and feasibility study

10%

Prototype Development

Working collector with basic functionality

20%

Final Project

Complete system with IoT integration

20%

Technical Report

Comprehensive analysis of design and results

10%

Weekly Lab Reports

Ongoing formative assessments

40%

Learning Outcomes

Design and build functional solar thermal collectors
Program ESP32 microcontrollers for IoT applications
Analyze and optimize renewable energy systems
Apply engineering design principles to real-world problems

Cross-Curricular Connections

Mathematics

  • Trigonometry calculations
  • Statistical analysis
  • Efficiency calculations

Physics

  • Thermodynamics
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Material science

Computer Science

  • Programming & algorithms
  • Data structures
  • UI design

Environmental Science

  • Impact assessment
  • Carbon footprint
  • Sustainability metrics

Ready to Transform Education?

This comprehensive curriculum combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on engineering to create the next generation of renewable energy innovators.

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