UNIK9830 – Solar energy systems
Course description
Course content
Thorugh the course, you will develop an understanding of the physical and technological principles of photovoltaic energy systems. The course will address the solar energy resource, and assessment and measurement techniques for the available insolation. The components in a PV system, with a particular focus on the module will be central topic. Design and operation of different PV systems on- and off-grid, such as BIPV, MW scale PV plants, and micro systems for developing countries will be covered, and an introduction to cost assessments for PV systems will be given.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, you should:
- Be able to describe the factors that affect how much insolation a PV module receives and know the most important measurement techniques for insolation.
- Have in-depth knowledge of the structure of a solar module and what determines the efficiency.
- Have knowledge about the components and design of on-grid PV systems, building integrated PV systems and off-gird PV systems.
- Be able to dimension and sketch a PV system with a given electricity production.
- Know the most important factors that determine the cost-efficiency of a PV system and be able to perform simple cost analysis.
- Understand degradation mechanisms in PV modules and measurement techniques used to study degradation and failure.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
FYS1120 – Electromagnetism and/or UNIK4450 – Solar cells (continued) will be an advantage.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with UNIK4830 – Solar energy systems (continued)
- 5 credits overlap with UNIK4460 – Photovoltaic devices, technology and system (continued)
- 5 credits overlap with UNIK9460 – Photovoltaic devices, technology and system (continued)
Teaching
Three hours lectures/excercises each week throughout the semester.
Examination
Oral exam in the end of the semester. In case of many students, there may be held a written exam instead.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.