Renewable Energy and Energy Storage

What the page covers

The resources split into generation and storage. On the generation side, there are many solar items: Photovoltaics maps, PV materials, Thin film Solar Cells, Solar Collector Positioning and Concentration solar technology. Wind is covered by Wind: Power and Potential, the Offshore Wind Farm map and the VILLONACO WIND POWER PLANT map. Geothermal and hydropower each have their own maps too.

On the storage side you will find maps on Cells and Batteries, Lithium metal anode, BMS, EMS, Li-ion cell models and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

Where to start

Begin with the flashcard decks, which give you the vocabulary. The NABCEP Entry Level Study Guide deck runs through solar terms such as irradiance, air mass, declination and solstice. The Geothermal Power Plants deck covers dry steam plants, combined cycle plants and enhanced geothermal systems. The deck called 301 asks short questions, including the maximum earth resistance for a wind turbine mast.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a mind map to see how a topic fits together, for example Offshore Wind Farm, which moves from site and foundations to installation.
2. Take a quiz on the same topic. Solar System Design tests sun-angle ideas, and the HelioScope quizzes ask about rack-mounted PV arrays.
3. Go back to the map for any question you missed.
4. Finish with the Energy Storage quiz to check the storage side.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Electrical Power and Energy strand of Electrical and electronic engineering. Most of the material is at university level, with a smaller share aimed at professional candidates. Teachers can use the maps and decks as ready-made starting points for lessons.

Next step

Choose one technology, open its map, and then try a matching quiz. When you are ready, build a map or deck of your own.