Electricity and the Built Environment

Code

ABEE2035

School

Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module introduces the fundamental background to understanding the role that electricity plays in controlling the environment within buildings and the wider built environment. It provides:

• An overview of the role electricity plays within the built environment
• The background to DC and AC supplies
• Understanding of electrical phenomena and uses to which they may be put
• The infrastructure for the generation and distribution of electricity and the working of associated equipment
• An understanding of electrical machines, their operation and different areas of application
• An awareness of the environmental consequences of conventional methods of electricity generation, an appreciation of the scale of demand and resource use and an awareness of alternative methods of production and consumption that can reduce environmental impact

Target Students

BEng Architectural Environment Engineering

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): 2 hours exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student can be expected to have attained the following learning outcomes:

A) Knowledge and understanding of:
electricity
electrical equipment
the positive and negative role these play in maintaining the environment

B) Intellectual skills
ability to identify appropriate solutions to design problems
ability to undertake simple sizing exercides to match equipment to application
ability to reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of their design and suggest alternatives

C) Professional practical skills
awareness of the quipment that is commercially available for use in design exercises
awareness of the wider environmental consequences of energy use and regulatory/legislative measures for influencing these

D) Transferable (key) skills
exploration of design problems using analytical skills

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:

M1    Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
M2    Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M3    Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M4    Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
M5    Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
M6    Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
M7    Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
M9    Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
M13    Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
M15    Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
M16    Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 
M17    Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

The module also contributes to C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C9, C13, C15, C16, C17.

Conveners