Unit details

OCEN4007 Renewable Ocean Energy

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	Online	Online timetabled
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Content

This unit will consider the scientific and technical challenges associated with renewable energy generation from wind, waves, tides and hydropower schemes. Fundamental concepts for each of these resources and the general principles for energy generation will be outlined. This will include resource assessment, typical design approaches and operational considerations. Cutting edge developments in fluid mechanics, oceanography, structural engineering and geomechanics will be introduced where relevant. The unit will draw from local practical examples (such as the wind and wave energy developments in Albany) to take students through all steps of a project from site identification, through to design and deployment.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain and calculate the energy inherent in wind, waves, tides and hydropower reservoirs; (2) describe and model typical technologies for energy generation, including an understanding of engineering design and generation efficiency; (3) critically compare ocean renewable energy sources and identify appropriate technologies; and (4) discuss the engineering steps required in developing a renewable energy project, including resource assessment, device selection and construction/deployment/operation..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) individual assignments; (2) group project; and (3) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

For units commencing in May 2022 or later the availability of the supplementary assessment is subject to confirmation.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Except where supplementary assessment is not available in a unit, it will be offered to students in all units who:

• Are in good academic standing overall;
• Have passed over half the units taken in the teaching period concerned, except where they are only enrolled in two or less units in the period;
• Have submitted all assessment items in the unit;
• Have achieved a mark between 45 and 49 for the unit overall, or the same mark in any failed component item in the unit; and
• No finding of academic misconduct has been made against them in the unit concerned.

Additionally student may apply for supplementary assessment in any unit which is the final unit required for graduation in there course and where they have achieved a mark between 45 and 49 for the unit overall, or the same mark in any failed component item in the unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Christophe Gaudin

Unit rules

Prerequisites:

enrolment in the Master of Renewable and Future Energy or the Master of Engineering in Oil and Gas or the Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental Engineering specialisation, Mechanical Engineering specialisation) or the Master of Oceanography. This unit is also available to students in the Master of Ocean Leadership with the approval of the Program Chair and completion of an undergraduate major in Engineering Science or equivalent.

Co-requisites:

Nil

Advisable prior study:

ENVT3337 Oceanography or ENSC3010 Hydraulics or ENSC3003 Fluid Mechanics or equivalent

Incompatibility:

For Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering specialisation): GENG5506 Renewable Energy

Contact hours

lectures: 3 x 45 mins per week; practical classes: 2 x 1 hrs per week; labs: 3 hours every third week