Electricity and the Built Environment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE2039 | Architecture and Built Environment | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ABEE2039
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
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/ MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students; U6UAAEENG (Year 1); U6UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENG (Year 1); U7UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 1); (K240, K24B, K241, K24A, K24D)MEng Architecture and Environmental Design; U7UATTED7 (Year 2); (K230).
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Tutorial 1 hour every 2 weeks
Assessment
- 60% Coursework: Report: assessment of household energy use, cost analysis and efficiency gain calculations.
- 40% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide students with the background knowledge and understanding of the role of electricity and electrical systems within the built environment. This serves as the basis for identifying appropriate electrical systems for installation in buildings and provides the ability to undertake preliminary sizing and design work.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 exercises 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 equipment 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.