Comprehensive Course Structure
The Renewable Energy program at Thdc Institute Of Hydro Power Engineering And Technology is structured over eight semesters, ensuring a progressive and comprehensive understanding of renewable energy systems. Each semester includes core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Energy Systems | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CSE101 | Introduction to Renewable Energy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | CHM101 | Chemistry for Engineers | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | ENG101 | English for Technical Communication | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | LAW101 | Introduction to Legal Aspects of Energy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHYLAB101 | Physics Laboratory I | 0-0-3-1 | PHY101 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | MAT101 |
| 2 | ELE201 | Electrical Circuits and Networks | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | MECH201 | Thermodynamics | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | CSE201 | Materials Science for Energy Applications | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | ELELAB201 | Electrical Circuits Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | ELE201 |
| 3 | ELE301 | Solar Energy Systems | 3-1-0-4 | ELE201, MAT201 |
| 3 | CSE301 | Wind Turbine Design | 3-1-0-4 | ELE201, MECH201 |
| 3 | MECH301 | Hydroelectric Power Generation | 3-1-0-4 | MECH201 |
| 3 | CSE302 | Bioenergy Conversion Processes | 3-1-0-4 | CSE201 |
| 3 | MECHLAB301 | Thermodynamics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | MECH201 |
| 4 | ELE401 | Power Electronics for Renewable Sources | 3-1-0-4 | ELE201, MAT201 |
| 4 | CSE401 | Grid Integration of Distributed Energy Resources | 3-1-0-4 | ELE301, ELE401 |
| 4 | MECH401 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | CSE402 | Sustainable Urban Energy Planning | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | ELELAB401 | Power Electronics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | ELE401 |
| 5 | CSE501 | Advanced Solar Cell Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | ELE301 |
| 5 | ELE501 | Energy Storage Systems | 3-1-0-4 | ELE401 |
| 5 | MECH501 | Hydropower Plant Optimization | 3-1-0-4 | MECH301 |
| 5 | CSE502 | Biofuel Production and Utilization | 3-1-0-4 | CSE302 |
| 5 | ELE502 | Smart Grid Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | CSE401, ELE401 |
| 6 | CSE601 | Renewable Energy Economics and Policy | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | ELE601 | Advanced Wind Farm Design | 3-1-0-4 | CSE301, ELE301 |
| 6 | MECH601 | Hydrodynamic Analysis of Turbines | 3-1-0-4 | MECH301 |
| 6 | CSE602 | Biogas Production Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | CSE302 |
| 6 | ELELAB601 | Advanced Power Electronics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | ELE501, ELE502 |
| 7 | CSE701 | Research Methodology in Renewable Energy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 7 | ELE701 | Energy Systems Modeling and Simulation | 3-1-0-4 | ELE502, CSE601 |
| 7 | MECH701 | Renewable Energy Project Management | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 7 | CSE702 | Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | CSE602 |
| 7 | ELELAB701 | Energy Systems Simulation Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | ELE701 |
| 8 | CSE801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-6-6 | All previous courses |
| 8 | ELE801 | Capstone Project Defense | 0-0-0-2 | CSE801 |
Detailed Departmental Elective Courses
The following are advanced departmental elective courses offered in the Renewable Energy program:
Advanced Solar Cell Technologies (CSE501)
This course delves into the latest advancements in solar cell technologies, including perovskite cells, tandem solar cells, and quantum dot solar cells. Students will explore manufacturing techniques, performance optimization strategies, and commercial viability of emerging technologies.
Energy Storage Systems (ELE501)
This course focuses on the principles and applications of various energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion batteries, compressed air energy storage, pumped hydro storage, and thermal energy storage systems. Emphasis is placed on system integration, efficiency metrics, and economic analysis.
Hydropower Plant Optimization (MECH501)
This course examines the design, operation, and optimization of hydropower plants from engineering and environmental perspectives. Students will learn about dam safety, turbine selection, flow management, and hydrological modeling.
Biofuel Production and Utilization (CSE502)
Students will study the conversion of biomass into biofuels using biochemical and thermochemical processes. Topics include feedstock selection, process design, environmental impact assessment, and policy considerations.
Smart Grid Technologies (ELE502)
This course covers smart grid architecture, communication protocols, demand response systems, and integration of renewable energy sources into existing power grids. Students will engage in simulations and case studies to understand practical implementation challenges.
Research Methodology in Renewable Energy (CSE701)
This foundational course introduces students to research methodologies, data collection techniques, hypothesis testing, and scientific writing. It prepares students for advanced research and thesis work.
Energy Systems Modeling and Simulation (ELE701)
This course teaches students how to model complex energy systems using software tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, HOMER Pro, and PSCAD. Students will develop skills in predictive modeling, scenario analysis, and optimization.
Renewable Energy Project Management (MECH701)
This course provides an overview of project management principles specific to renewable energy projects. Topics include risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, timeline planning, and regulatory compliance.
Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Technologies (CSE702)
This course explores the environmental impact of renewable technologies throughout their lifecycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Students will learn how to conduct LCAs and interpret results for decision-making purposes.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of its educational approach. Projects are designed to simulate real-world challenges faced by engineers in the renewable energy industry, encouraging critical thinking and innovation.
Mini-projects are introduced starting from the second semester, with students working in teams to solve specific problems related to energy conversion or system integration. These projects form the foundation for more complex capstone initiatives undertaken in the final year.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a significant milestone that allows students to apply their accumulated knowledge to an original research question or practical engineering challenge. Students select projects based on their interests and career aspirations, often collaborating with faculty mentors or industry partners.
Each project is evaluated using a rubric that assesses technical competency, creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and adherence to ethical standards. The evaluation process encourages reflection and continuous improvement, preparing students for future professional responsibilities.