Alternative Energy

Overview

This Alternative Energy course at Warnborough College  will equip you with knowledge and understanding of the types of alternative energy, better ways to manage energy consumption, how electric and non-electric systems work, different techniques for storing electricity, and use this knowledge to plan how to convert a buildings energy supply to an alternative system.

Aims

• Describe the nature and scope of alternative energy.

• Describe the nature and application of electricity.

• Compare different methods of generating electricity

• Compare different techniques for storage and use of electricity.

• Describe the application and operation of different non electric energy systems

• Identify ways to better manage energy consumption.

• Describe energy conservation techniques.

• Discuss how to convert a building’s energy supply to an alternative system.

Here is just a sample of what you may do in this course:

• List different insulating materials which may be commonly found inside electrical equipment?

• Determine a practical example to show the relevance of each of Kirchoff’s Laws to a technician, in their daily work?

• Contact a number of suppliers of alternative energy generating systems (e.g. wind, solar). Find out all that you can about the types of systems they supply. Collect any relevant leaflets and brochures. If possible observe such systems in action.

• Design a floor plan and describe the current electricity use of a home which you are familiar with (but which uses only mains power supply).

• This might be the home of a friend, relative, or even your own home.

• Recommend ways in which this home might reduce reliability on mains supply (either in part or full) by introducing its own electricity generation system

• Compare the relative significance of alternative sources of energy including wind, solar, fossil fuels, hydro, etc.

• Explain electricity, including its nature, terminology and options for applying it as an energy source

• Explain the generation of electricity through a variety of means including: Photo voltaic cells, Wind powered generators, Petrol powered generators and Batteries.

• Describe procedures for appropriate use of electricity, including storage and safety

• Develop ways of reducing energy consumption, including effective temperature control.

• Evaluate a building and recommend appropriate measures for minimising it’s consumption of energy.

• Identify the restrictions or regulations which can affect the adoption of more appropriate energy applications for a specific property.

• Plan the conversion of a property from high energy consumption systems to an appropriate network of sustainable and lower energy consumption systems