Renewable and

Alternate Energy
Systems
EEE-488

D R Q U D S I YA I R U M

LECTURER

E L E C T R I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G D E PA R T M E N T, C O M S AT S
UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Q U D S I YA . I R U M @ C O M S AT S . E D U . P K

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Textbook
Kaltschmitt M, Streicher W, Wiese A, “Renewable Energy: Technology,
Economics and Environment”, Springer Science & Business Media, 3rd
June 2007, Latest Edition.

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 Course Content
Fundamental concepts of renewable and alternate energy sources
and discussion of trends. (C2-PLO1)

Demonstrate the challenges and issues related to various energy

sources including fossil fuels, with regard to supply and environment.
(C2-PLO1)

Design and develop solutions involving primary renewable energy

technologies. (C5-PLO3)
Analyze and evaluate the statistics on renewable energy technologies
in terms of feasible economics and environment in the larger energy
mix picture (C4-PLO7)
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Energy
Principles,
Sources, and
Applications
A DETAILED ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE

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 Introduction to
Energy
It is the capacity to do work and exists in various forms, such as
mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, and nuclear energy.
Energy plays a crucial role in sustaining life, powering industries, and
enabling technological advancements.
Mechanical energy is the energy associated with the motion and position
of an object. Example: A moving car or a compressed spring.
Thermal Energy: It is related to the temperature of the substance and the
kinetic energy of its atoms or molecules.
Example: Heat produced by a stove or the warmth of the sun.
Electrical energy: is the energy carried by moving electric charges
(electrons). It is commonly used to power devices and systems.
Example: Energy supplied by batteries, power plants, or solar panels.

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Introduction to
Energy
Chemical Energy:
Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical
compounds, such as molecules and atoms. It is released or absorbed
during chemical reactions.
Example: Energy from burning fuels, food digestion, or batteries.

Nuclear Energy:
Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. It is
released during nuclear reactions, such as fission (splitting of an atom)
or fusion (combining of atoms).
Example: Energy from nuclear power plants or the sun's energy
produced through fusion.

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Related Parameters
of Energy
measured in watts (W, where 𝐸 is energy in joules (J) and 𝑡 is time in
Power (=) – The rate at which energy is transferred or converted,

seconds.
Energy Efficiency – The ratio of useful energy output to total energy
input, expressed as a percentage. Higher efficiency means less energy
wastage.
Energy Density – The amount of energy stored per unit mass or volume
of a substance, important for fuels and batteries.
Energy Consumption – The total energy used by an individual,
organization, or country, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or
joules (J).

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 Fundamental Energy
Principles
• First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy is conserved; it cannot be created or destroyed.
Mathematical Representation:
ΔU = Q - W
Where: ΔU = Change in internal energy of the system
Q = Heat added to the system
W = Work done by the system
Internal Energy (U):The total energy contained within a system, including kinetic and
potential energies of its particles.
Heat (Q):Energy transferred due to a temperature difference between the system and its
surroundings.
Work (W):Energy transferred when a force acts through a distance, often involving
expansion or compression of gases.
Heat Engines, Refrigerators, Biological Systems

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Fundamental Energy
Principles
• Second Law of Thermodynamics:
It is impossible to convert all the heat absorbed from a source into work
without transferring some heat to a colder reservoir.
Example: No heat engine is 100% efficient.
Practical Implications:
Heat Engines:
Efficiency is always less than 100% because some energy is lost as waste
heat.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning:
External work is required to move heat against its natural flow.

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 Renewable Energy
Sources
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that replenish
themselves over time.
It plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating
climate change.
- Solar: Converts sunlight to electricity using PV cells.
- Wind: Kinetic energy from wind spins turbines to generate electricity.
- Hydropower: Uses flowing water to spin turbines.
- Biomass: Organic material burned for heat or biofuel.
- Geothermal: Uses Earth’s heat for electricity and direct heating.
- Ocean Energy: Tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion.

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 Key Features
Unlimited Availability: These sources are inexhaustible in the long run
(e.g., sunlight, wind).
Environmentally Friendly: Minimal to no greenhouse gas emissions during
energy production.
Sustainability: Can be harnessed continuously without depleting resources.
Applications:
Solar panels for electricity.
Wind turbines for power generation.
Hydropower plants for large-scale electricity production.

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 Alternative Energy

Energy sources that are used as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) Nuclear energy, Hydrogen fuel,
Synthetic fuels (e.g., e-fuels)
Key Features:
Non-Traditional: Includes all energy forms that reduce reliance on oil, coal,
and natural gas.
May Not Be Renewable: Nuclear energy, for example, is alternative but not
renewable as it relies on finite uranium.
Focus on Diversification: Aims to diversify energy sources and reduce fossil
fuel dependency.

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Aspect Renewable Energy Alternative Energy

Energy from naturally replenished Energy that replaces fossil

Definition
sources. fuels, renewable or not.

Nuclear, hydrogen,
Examples Solar, wind, hydro, biomass.
synthetic fuels.

May not always be

Sustainability Always sustainable. sustainable (e.g., nuclear
waste).

Resource replenishment and Reducing fossil fuel

Focus
sustainability. dependency.

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Overview of the projected
consumption of primary
energy carriers:
Coal: Currently, coal accounts for approximately 36% of global electricity
generation. However, by 2025, its share is expected to decline to around
33% as renewable energy sources expand.
Oil: BP projects that global oil demand will peak in 2025, influenced by
the increasing adoption of wind and solar power.
Natural Gas: The demand for natural gas is anticipated to experience
varying trends. In scenarios aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, gas
demand could peak and potentially decrease by up to 50%. Conversely,
under current trajectories, a 20% increase in gas demand by 2050 is
possible.
Wind and Solar: These sources are leading the surge in renewable energy
capacity. By 2025, renewables are projected to supply 35% of global
electricity demand, surpassing coal as the primary source

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Global Energy Demand
and Challenges
• The global energy demand is rapidly increasing due to:
- Population growth
- Industrialization
- Urbanization
• Challenges:
- Over-reliance on fossil fuels
- Environmental degradation
- Resource depletion
• Transitioning to renewable energy is essential for sustainable
development.
Economic and Social
Benefits
• Creation of green jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
• Reduced dependency on energy imports, enhancing energy security.
• Access to affordable and clean energy for remote areas.
• Promotes innovation and technological advancement.
Future Perspectives
in Renewable Energy
• Innovations in energy storage systems (e.g., Advanced batteries,
hydrogen).
• Integration of AI and IoT for smart energy management.
• Expansion of hybrid renewable systems (e.g., solar-wind).
• Policies and international agreements targeting carbon neutrality.
Conclusion
• Renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.
• Economic, environmental, and technological factors are driving
adoption.
• Continued research and investment will accelerate the transition.

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