Photovoltaics (PV) is rapidly becoming a major source of cheap electricity. This course provides the tools and methods to plan, design, build and operate PV power plants, with an emphasis on utility-scale plants. Within the course students execute a realistic PV plant project, including planning, design, licensing, construction, operation and maintenance, and financing. Most of the modules that compose the course are presented at a generic systems level, and are accessible to students with a non-engineering background. Some of the modules are complemented with more detailed technical contents, as required for professional engineers. The course intends to have a broad appeal, preparing students for policy, managerial or technical jobs in the fast-growing area of Solar PV systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify and discuss the current status and development trends in commercial solar photovoltaic power generation in the Australia and internationally.
2. Compare, evaluate and select individual components for large scale photovoltaic systems.
3. Apply a range of calculation and modelling tools to evaluate and predict the performance, yield, and reliability of commercial photovoltaic systems.
4. Assess the long-term operation and maintenance requirements of commercial photovoltaic systems.
5. Discuss and compare the different financial operating models for large scale photovoltaic systems.
6. Contribute effectively and pro-actively as a leader or member of a group to achieve high quality engineering outcomes.
7. Engage in independent research and investigation to solve complex or unfamiliar problems.

Research-Led Teaching

This course implements research-led teaching using the following three-pronged approach to influence, motivate and inspire students to learn:

• using a poll-based question-and-answer discussion technique and real-world examples to motivate and support learning,
• using industry-leading simulation tools to scaffold learning,
• using cognitive apprenticeship model of teaching to systematically enable students to think like experts in the field of electronics engineering.

Field Trips

Royalla Solar Farm, ACT (TBC)

Additional Course Costs

Reimbursement of individual student licenses for PVsyst software (approved by Salman Durrani, 42 AUD each). See "Required resources"

Examination Material or equipment

Closed book exam. A provided formula sheet is permitted.

Calculator (Non-Programmable).

Required Resources

Students need to use PVSyst software. A 30-day trial can be downloaded (www.pvsyst.com/download-pvsyst) and classroom licenses will be made available to the students during the course. PVsyst runs only under Windows. If you are using a Mac or Linux it can be run with a virtual machine for others OS (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc).

Recommended Resources

• Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants, A Project Developer’s Guide, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group, 2015. https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at-ifc/publications/publications_utility-scale+solar+photovoltaic+power+plants

It is highly recommended to download and read this guide following closely the course content.

Recommended Resources (optional but highly recommended for students’ learning)

• IEA Photovoltaic Power systems Programme - Reports. https://iea-pvps.org/
• Textbook: H. Haeberlin, Photovoltaics : system design and practice, Wiley, 2012.
• Textbook: P. Gevorkian, Large-Scale Solar Power System Design: An Engineering Guide for Grid-Connected Solar Power Generation, McGraw-Hill, 2011.

Copies of the textbooks are available from Hancock library.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on individual assignments and group project.
• Verbal comments during the tutorials by the tutors.
• Verbal/email feedback to students who contact the Lecturer individually to discuss their work.
• Feedback to whole class via responses posted in the course Teams channel.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please use ‘ENGN8830’ in email subject, otherwise your e-mail may get lost in my inbox.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction, PV power plant basics (lectures)
2	Site selection, solar resource (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial
3	Array sizing, operation & maintenancec (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial
4	Components, cables & fuses (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial
5	Technical requirements & risks (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial
6	PVsyst software (lecture + demo)	Individual Assignment Due
7	Project development & management (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial, Group Assignment Due (Part 1)
8	Logistics (lecture + tutorial)	Tutorial
9	Market analysis & trends (lecture + tutorial)	Tutorial
10	Solar farm financing (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial, Individual Assignment Due
11	Performance monitoring (lectures + tutorial)	Tutorial
12	Trial exam	Group Assignment Due (Part 2)
13	Examination Period	Final exam

Tutorial Registration

Students need to register for groups. See link available in Wattle.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tutorials	20 %	1,2,3,4,5
Individual Assignments	20 %	2,4,5,7
Group Project	20 %	2,3,5,6,7
Final Exam	40 %	1,2,5,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is assessed through tutorials, assignments and presentations.

Examination(s)

In-person closed book exam. A provided formula sheet is permitted.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorials

Ten tutorial sessions consisting of individual problem sheets, quizzes and group activities (presentations). 2% weighting each.

Completed problem sheets, quizzes and presentations need to be submitted through Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Individual Assignments

Two individual assignments with 10% weighting each.

Assessment Task 3

Group Project

Group project with two submission dates:

- Phase 1 report due in week 7,

- Final report due in week 12.

Assessment Task 4

Final Exam

The final exam will cover the content from the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 2 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Marked reports are returned through Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not applicable.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students