University of Colorado Boulder
Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals
University of Colorado Boulder

Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

This course is part of Возобновляемые источники энергии Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Stephen R. Lawrence

Instructor: Stephen R. Lawrence

23,443 already enrolled

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.8

(457 reviews)

|

95%

Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • You will understand the key physical characteristics of renewable energy and electricity

  • You will have the knowledge to assess the advantages and disadvantages of wind, solar, and other important renewable energy technologies.

  • You will be able to evaluate and recommend alternative renewable energy storage technologies.

Details to know

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Assessments

5 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.8

(457 reviews)

|

95%

Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Возобновляемые источники энергии Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 5 modules in this course

Any understanding of renewable energy requires vocabulary, principles, and tools – that is the objective of this week’s module. We first define “energy.” What is it? Where does it come from? How is it measured? What are its rules? We then turn our attention to electricity and ask similar questions. What is electricity? How is it measured? How can renewable resources be used to generate electricity? Upon completion of this module, you will have a solid grounding in the underlying concepts required to understand the promise and challenges of renewable energy technologies.

What's included

10 videos10 readings1 quiz

This week we turn to wind energy – currently the most rapidly growing global source of renewable energy. First, we investigate how do winds arise? What are the important characteristics of wind? And how much energy is embodied in wind? We then describe how wind turbines extract energy from wind, and detail the components, performance, and economics of wind turbines. Along the way we pay close attention to rapidly evolving offshore wind technologies and their use.

What's included

11 videos8 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

Solar radiation is the most abundant source of renewable energy on earth. Given this abundance, how can it be transformed for human use? In this module we investigate several ways to turn sunlight into electricity. We first describe the attributes of solar radiation and the various ways that sunlight is useful for humans. Next, we introduce photovoltaic (PV) technologies, and how they are used to generate abundant electricity. We conclude with an examination of solar PV project applications, planning, and economics.

What's included

9 videos6 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

While wind and solar are the fastest growing renewable energy technologies globally, hydroelectric power remains the largest, and other technologies also have long histories. In this final module, we first describe six of these technologies, including hydropower, biomass energy, concentrating solar power, geothermal power, and ocean energy. Since effective and economic energy storage is critically important for the long-term success of renewable energy, we next turn to energy storage technologies, including pumped hydro, batteries, thermal storage, and hydrogen storage, plus several emerging storage technologies. We conclude with forecasts for the success of both renewable energy generating technologies, and renewable energy storage technologies.

What's included

15 videos5 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

The last week of Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals includes a final exam that will allow you to demonstrate your mastery of the content covered in this course. Take some time to study, review any concepts or topics you found challenging, and then take the final exam!

What's included

1 quiz

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (180 ratings)
Stephen R. Lawrence
University of Colorado Boulder
7 Courses42,239 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability

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