This Unit has been designed to provide candidates with a knowledge and understanding of natural systems and processes that can be exploited as sources of renewable energy. Candidates will gain familiarity with the physics and engineering of the equipment used for extracting the available energy, and understand how energy transfer processes impact on efficiency and cost. A wide range of renewable energy sources are considered either individually or by reference to common or shared properties, and candidates will emerge with a level of technical knowledge that will permit them to undertake accurate quantitative comparisons between technologies, and the ability to calculate the potential or effectiveness of a particular system or solution. The way energy is used, particularly in buildings, is also considered and technological solutions that reduce energy waste are examined. The focus in the Unit is strongly on general principles and the candidate is not expected to design or construct complete systems, or assess in detail the operation of any specialist system. Specialist Renewable Energy Systems Units have been developed to allow candidates to study individual renewable energy technologies in greater depth than are possible in this Unit.

On completion of the Unit the candidate will be able to:

1. Explain the operation and characteristics of electrical generator systems.
2. Explain the characteristics and optimal design of prime movers used in renewable energy applications.
3. Analyse the effectiveness of wind, wave, tidal and hydroelectric systems.
4. Evaluate energy transportation issues including hydrogen-based solutions.
5. Investigate the characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
6. Analyse the heating requirements of buildings to reduce energy end-use.