Understand Energy and Sustainable Energy Technologies
This course explores the evolving energy landscape, examining both traditional energy production and the latest developments in renewable energy. You will investigate a range of energy generation technologies, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, bioenergy, geothermal, and emerging clean-energy solutions, as well as the critical role of energy storage and distribution systems.
Designed to provide a practical understanding of contemporary energy challenges and opportunities, this course equips students with valuable insights into one of the world's fastest-growing industries. Whether you are seeking career opportunities, professional development, or a broader understanding of sustainable energy systems, this course offers a solid foundation for engaging with the future of energy.
Course Duration: 100 hours. Self paced.
COURSE CONTENTS
There are 8 lessons in this course:
Lesson 1. Introduction: The Problems and the Energy Sources
- Scope and Nature
- Terminology
- Energy consumption through history
- Climate Change
- Energy units
- Problems with Fossil Fuels
- Problems with other energy sources (hydro electricity, nuclear, wind, solar)
- Understanding Energy
- Terminology
Lesson 2. Understanding electricity
- Conductors and non conductors
- Measuring electricity (current, voltage, resistance)
- Ohm's Law
- Circuits: Series; parallel
- Kirchhoff's law
- Power
- Power ratings
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism and Solenoids
- Electric motors
- Inductors
- Lenz's law
Lesson 3. Generating Electricity
- Turbines
- Generators
- Fuel cells
- Wind Power
- Large Scale Wind System Design
- Small Scale Wind System Design
- Solar Energy
- Positioning a solar cell
- Small Scale Solar
- Future Developments in Solar
- Geothermal Energy
- Dry Steam Power Plants
- Flash Steam Power Plants
- Binary Cycle Power Plants
- Advantages of Geothermal
- How Geothermal is used
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Hydropower
- Tide and Current Power
- Tide Barrage
- Tidal Turbines
- Wave Power
- Nuclear Energy
- Fission Reactors
- Fusion
- Half Lives and Radioactivity
- Waste to Energy
Lesson 4. Storage and Using Electricity
- Terminology
- Cells -simple cell, car battery, gel, AGM, Nickel etc.
- Deep Cycle Battery
- Lithium Rechargeable Batteries
- Calculating Battery Requirements
- Inverters
- Alternators and Regulators
- Converters
- System Types
- EMR & electricity use
- Recommended Exposure Limits
- Safety with Electricity
Lesson 5. Non-Electric Systems
- Scope and nature
- Passive Solar
- Fire Wood
- Drying and storing wood
- Comparing different wood types
- Smoke fires
- Creosote formation in fire flues
- Environmental aspects of burning wood
- Biofuels
- Ethanol
- Small scale Biomass
- Passive Solar Energy
- Solar hot water (flat plat collectors, evacuated tubes, open or closed circuit, passive or active systems, heat pumps)
- Greenhouses
- Night insulation
- Solar Garden Water Features
Lesson 6. Energy Consumption
- Reducing energy consumption
- Pricing
- Population growth
- Large scale reduction of energy consumption (managing green cities, urban sprawl, peak demands, transport)
Lesson 7. Energy Conservation
- How a home owner can reduce energy consumption
- Temperature control
- Minimising light energy consumption
- Minimising appliance energy consumption
- Insulation
- Water conservation
- Solar house design
Lesson 8. Converting to Alternative Systems
- Estimating Energy Needs
- Building Efficiency
- System Design
- System Designers
Workload & Assessment
Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. You will be able to see any gaps in your learning.
Assignments are at the end of each lesson.
A final exam is organised at the end of the eight lesson. The exam is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge and obtain a formal award.
How This Course Could Help You
Whether you are an enthusiast who wishes to better understand alternative energy to make the most of what is on offer around your own home, or whether this is an industry which you can see yourself working in - this course has something to offer you.
Study this course by itself or as part of a certificate or higher level qualification in self sufficiency or environmental studies. Use this course as a stepping stone into the energy industry.
Build your understanding of the technologies shaping the future of energy. Enrol today and discover how renewable energy systems are transforming industries, communities, and careers worldwide.
Got Questions? Get in Touch!
Enquire here | Email admin@acs.edu.au | Call (Australia) 07 5562 1088