Module Catalogue

ENG2503 : Energy Sources and Storage

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Mohamed Ahmeid
  • Lecturer: Mr Deepak Makwana
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of modern energy storage and handling systems from conventional batteries through photo-voltaics to fuel cells and bio-fuels. The topics will be illustrated with industrial and transport applications. Consideration of alternative and sustainable energy sources will be provided as well as discussion of efficiency and cost issues.

Outline Of Syllabus

The development of energy storage technology will be explained starting with primary batteries and then secondary cells. Improvements and design requirements for rail and other transport uses will be discussed (eg. emergency lighting systems).

Modern Li-ion, metal hydride (hydrogen storage), solid state and metal-air batteries will be described with links to their practical applications in transport and technological systems. The efficiency of systems and the concept of ‘smart batteries’ will be introduced.

The history of fuel cell development and the fundamental kinetics and chemical thermodynamics behind them are outlined. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed and the various types (low, medium and high temperature) of cell will be introduced along with the material selection issues associated with their operation

Photovoltaics to include fundamentals of solar cells, properties and design, single and multiple junction solar panels, semi-conducting materials for solar cells. Design of stand-alone systems, manufacturing routes and environmental impact of system development.

Developments in applications
Alternative energy systems.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture101:0010:00Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion181:0018:00Revision and completion of problem-based exercise.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:00Completion of tutorials, including background reading of notes.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study200:3010:00Student study time of non-synchronous pre-recorded material.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study51:005:00Recorded lectures
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study451:0045:00Private study - Distance Learning - Work Based Degree Apprenticeship
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures are designed to assist the students in acquisition of a knowledge base that will facilitate an understanding of energy storage systems and their applications.
Tutorial exercises will enable students to practice analysis of systems and match energy systems to particular applications. These will be fully discussed at Seminars, in preparation for the problem based summative coursework.

Private study will strengthen their knowledge base and enable students to tackle the tutorial sheets with greater confidence.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination901A100Online 90 min assessment (NUMBAS)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises1MShort formative Assessment.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessments are designed to evaluate students' ability to critically analyse energy storage systems, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and investigate real-world challenges in energy generation and storage. By incorporating sustainability and efficiency considerations, the assessment ensures alignment with industry and professional expectations.

The formative problem exercise introduces students to the assessment format, helping them understand the depth of learning required and build confidence for the summative assessment. Mapping of AHEPv4 Learning Outcomes to Assessments:
The following AHEPv4 outcomes are addressed through these assessments:

C1,C2,C3,C6

Knowledge Outcomes:
K1,K3,K6
Skills Outcomes:

S1, S2, S13,S14

Reading Lists

Timetable