ECTS credits ECTS credits: 3
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 51 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 9 Interactive Classroom: 12 Total: 75
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary subject Master’s Degree RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Chemistry Engineering, External department linked to the degrees
Areas: Chemical Engineering, Área externa M.U en Enerxías Renovables, Cambio Climático e Desenvolvemento Sustentable
Center Faculty of Physics
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
This subject of the "Solar Energy" module, which is compulsory, has three training objectives that are very useful for professionals in renewable energies in particular and in the field of energy in general. Which is summarized as:
1. To establish the knowledge and apply the methodological bases necessary for the efficient sizing and placement of systems for the use of solar resources, both thermal and photovoltaic.
2. To establish basic knowledge about the various current systems for the exploitation of solar thermal energy, based on efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies.
3. To establish and apply the methodological bases of the technology for the optimal recovery of thermal energy in any installation, based on thermodynamic and environmental sustainability criteria.
The contents of this compulsory subject, which are developed in 3.0 ECTS, are based on those succinctly included in the descriptor of the subject in the Master's syllabus, which are: "Solar radiation and the solar spectrum. Principles of operation of solar thermal systems. Basic concepts and components of an installation. Calculation of basic installations. Examples of appropriate technologies."
Taking into account the above descriptor and the state of the art of the different aspects contemplated in it, the program is structured in the following thematic blocks.
Block I. Solar radiation.
Topic 1. Introduction.
Origin and nature. Electromagnetic radiation. Solar spectrum. Geometry of solar radiation: Declination, central angle. Direct and diffuse solar radiation.
Topic 2. Meteorological parameters associated with the solar resource.
Measurements of solar radiation on the surface. Other meteorological parameters. Solar radiation maps.
Topic 3. Capture of solar resource.
Location and placement of solar resource capture systems: Azimuth angle, slope or elevation. Direct and diffuse component. Case studies.
Block II. Solar thermal energy.
Topic 4. Low Temperature Installations.
Elements of a basic solar thermal energy installation. Flat plans. Vacuum tubes. Performances.
Topic 5. Medium and High Temperature Installations and others.
Solar collectors and reflectors. Solar Thermal Systems of Concentration. Hybrid systems. Thermal energy storage.
Block III. Thermal energy recovery.
Topic 6. Energy optimization. Thermodynamic criteria. Pinch Table Algorithm (PTA). Maximum heat Energy Recovery (MER).
Topic 7. Heat Exchange Network Synthesis (HENS).
Specific objectives (by blocks)
Block I. Solar radiation: Introduce the student to the fundamentals and techniques necessary to know the nature and phenomena associated with solar radiation, assess the associated renewable resources and how to estimate the meteorological parameters associated with the performance of solar energy systems.
Block II. Solar thermal energy: To know the basics of exploitation of solar thermal energy based on its operating principles. To know the characteristics and basic elements of the different systems for the use of solar thermal energy and its storage. Identify and size conventional solar thermal energy production systems.
Block III. Thermal energy recovery: Know and apply thermodynamic technology for optimal thermal energy recovery, economically efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Basic bibliography
Bohren, C.F., Clothiaux, E.E. "Fundamentals of atmospheric radiation". Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2006.
John Duffie, J. William Beckman, W. "Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes". John Wiley & Sons. 3rd edition. New Jersey (2006).
Shenoy, U.V. "Synthesis of heat exchanger networks". Editorial del Golfo. Houston, 1995.
Additional bibliography
Casanova, J., Bilbao, J. et al. "Curso de energía solar". Secretariado de publicaciones, Universidad de Valladolid, 1993.
Centro de Estudios de la Energía Solar " La energía solar: aplicaciones prácticas". CEES, Sevilla, 1993.
CIEMAT "Fundamentos, dimensionado y aplicaciones de la energía solar fotovoltaica". Madrid, 2003.
El-Halwagi, M. "Process Integration”, Elsevier, 2006.
IDAE. Pliego de Condiciones Técnicas de Instalaciones de Baja Temperatura. Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE). www.idae.es
Iqbal, M. "An introduction to solar radiation". Academic Press, San Diego (CA), 1984.
Lorenzo, E. "Electricidad solar: Ingeniería de los sistemas fotovoltaicos". Instituto de Energía Solar, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 1994.
Ministerio de Fomento. Código Técnico da Edificación DB HE 4
Petty, G.W. "A First Course of Atmospheric Radiation”. Sundog, Madison (Wisconsin), 2004.
Prieto, J.I. "Fundamentos y aplicaciones de la energía solar térmica". Servicio de publicaciones, Universidad de Oviedo, 1998.
Sorensen, B. "Renewable Energies". Academic Press. Londres, 2000.
Other documentation
The teacher will provide presentations of the contents of the discipline and other documents through their Virtual Classroom, in the teaching language.
In this subject, the student will acquire or practice a series of generic skills, desirable in any university degree, and specific, typical of the scientific field and applied to Energy. In this sense, students must achieve the following competencies:
Basic
CB02.-That students separate the application of the knowledge acquired and their problem-solving skills in new or little-known environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.
CB03. That students are able to integrate knowledge and face the complexity of formulating judgments based on information that, being incomplete or limited, includes reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
CB04.- That students separate and communicate their conclusions -and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that support them- to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way.
CB05.-That students possess the learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will have to be largely self-directed or autonomous.
Generic
CG01.-Mastery of the work methodology necessary for professional dedication to the field of renewable energies, sustainability, as well as R+D+i in this sector.
CG06.-Have a global knowledge of renewable energy solutions and energy sustainability concepts.
CG07.- To know the scientific bases applicable in the field of renewable energies.
CG08.- Gain in-depth knowledge of technologies, enclosures and techniques in the field of
renewable energies, sustainability and energy efficiency.
Transverse
CT04.- Use bibliography and general search of general and specific bibliographic resources, including Internet access.
CT05.- Be able to interpret texts, documentation, reports and academic articles in English.
CT07.- Ability to manage and decide on a complex and diverse set of data and documentary sources.
CT09.- Lifelong learning and continuous updating.
CT14.- Motivation towards the quality of processes and operating techniques.
Specific
CE05.-Efficiently manage energy resources, promoting their development and use
according to the premises of the sustainable.
CE08.- Know the scientific-technical foundations and state of the art.
This subject will be developed through different teaching and learning mechanisms, as indicated in the following sections.
1. Face-to-face teaching
The subject, which is compulsory, consists of 3.0 ECTS, including expository classes, interactive seminar classes, laboratory sessions, tutorials and exams. Master classes, problem seminars and a laboratory session will be developed in the computer room, to reinforce and apply the theoretical contents that are addressed throughout the subject.
Face-to-face teaching will be carried out in four main ways:
• Theoretical lectures, which introduce the basic concepts and problems to be solved, in accordance with the contents and objectives of the subject.
• Interactive seminar classes and activities related to the objectives of the subject.
• Laboratory class in a computer classroom, related to the objectives of the subject.
• Written exam, on theoretical and practical contents.
Group tutorials may also be scheduled, to monitor the students' study and non-face-to-face assessable activities.
The possibility of carrying out a technical visit to a singular solar thermal installation is included within these tutorials, depending on the internal and external means and conditions available.
2. Non-face-to-face teaching
Non-face-to-face teaching must be carried out by each student in the study of the contents of the subject and the resolution of the problems raised. Within this teaching, students will develop various assessable activities (non-face-to-face), preferably in teams, related to the contents of the subject.
The evaluation of these non-face-to-face assessable activities will be completed by various questions about them in the written exam of the subject.
Students will also be able to resolve their doubts with the teaching staff of the subject, within their tutorial hours.
Competence developed 1=Expository 2=Interactive Seminar 3=Interactive Laboratory 4=Activ. Eval. Non-Face-to-Face 5=Tutorials and Technical Visit
Basic
CB02 2 3 4
CB03 4
CB04 4 5
CB05 1 3
Generic
CG01 1 2 4
CG06 1
CG07 1
CG08 1
Cross
CT04 1 4
CT05 1 4
CT07 4
CT09 1 2 3 4 5
CT14 1 2 3 4
Specific
EC05 2 3 4
CE08 1 3
1. Grading system
The evaluation of the subject will be composed of the weighted sum of the following activities.
Assessable activity Assessment modality Weight in the overall grade Minimum grade
Written exam (inc. questions on non-face-to-face activities) Individual 60 % 3.5
Laboratory in computer room In team 10% -
Activ. Eval. Non-face-to-face In team 25 % -
Tutorials and technical visit Individual 5%
The assessable activities "Laboratory in computer room" and "Tutorials/technical visit" are face-to-face, so to obtain an evaluation of each activity greater than 0, attendance at it is mandatory.
To pass the subject, the student must obtain a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 10. If the student obtains a minimum grade of 3.5 out of 10 in the written exam, their overall grade will be obtained by weighted sum of their grades in the assessable activities. Otherwise, the student's overall grade will correspond to that of the written exam, out of 10. Obviously, attendance at the written exam is mandatory to be eligible to pass the subject. Otherwise, the student will be considered as a Not Presented.
The grades of the non-face-to-face assessable activities, laboratory and tutorials/technical visit will be kept only in the different evaluation opportunities of the same academic year. The student must repeat the written exam at each opportunity.
In cases of fraudulent completion of exercises or tests, the provisions of the "Regulations for the evaluation of students' academic performance and review of qualifications" will apply.
Competency assessment 1=Written exam 2=Laboratory 3=Activ. Eval. Non-Face-to-Face 4=Tutorials and Technical Visit
Basic
CB02 1 2 3
CB03 1 4
CB04 4
CB05 1 3
Generic
CG01 1 2 3
CG06 1 2
CG07 1
CG08 1 2 3
Cross
CT04 3
CT05 3 4
CT07 4
CT09 1 2 3 4
CT14 1 2 3 4
Specific
EC05 1 2 3 4
CE08 1
The subject has a workload of 3.0 ECTS, with 12 ECTS corresponding to 25 hours of total student work, with the total number of hours of student work being 75, which are distributed as follows:
Activity Face-to-face schedule Factor Personal work TOTAL
Lectures 15 2.5 37.5 52.5
Interactive Lab Classes 3 0 0 3
Interactive seminar classes 2 1 2 4
Tutorials and technical visit 2 1 2 4
Review and review 2 4.75 9.5 11.5
TOTAL 24 51 75
where the face-to-face hours indicate the number of hours of face-to-face teaching of the subject, including the various face-to-face activities that will be carried out in it; The factor indicates the estimated number of hours that the student must spend without the teacher per hour of face-to-face activity. The non-face-to-face hours result from the sum of those corresponding to all the activities that the student must carry out without the presence of the teacher, including the non-face-to-face assessable activities related to expository classes, interactive classes and tutorials.
Attend and actively participate in face-to-face teaching.
Go to tutorials and technical visit to practice studied techniques and resolve doubts.
Work in a team, both in the study of the contents of the subject and in the non-face-to-face assessable activities.
Students who enroll in the subject must previously possess a series of basic knowledge that are important to be able to pass it: Algebra, calculus, conservation equations, physical thermodynamics, process fundamentals, computer applications at the user level (Word, Excel, web).
Enrolled students must regularly monitor classes and participate in all assessable activities that take place both in the classroom and outside of it.
Teaching will be given in Spanish.
The subject will count on a Virtual Classroom.
Jose Antonio Souto Gonzalez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816757
- ja.souto [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 19:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 130 |
| Tuesday | |||
| 19:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 130 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 18:00-19:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 130 |
| Friday | |||
| 18:00-19:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom 130 |
| 01.16.2026 09:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom C |
| 07.07.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom C |