Course Number and Title:
NRG 203 Concepts of Solar Thermal Design
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (NRG 109 or NRG 110) and NRG 201
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the concepts of solar heating design, installation, and operation. Design characteristics, components, operation, and maintenance of major components are covered. Site evaluation, codes and regulations, system selection, and planning are emphasized.
Disclaimer
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites, and including, but not limited to accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.
Unless otherwise specified, this work by Delaware Technical Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Engage in professional behavior. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5)
- Examine appropriate codes and standards concerning safety, installation, and operation of solar thermal systems and components. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 5, 7)
- Evaluate a site for the installation of a solar thermal system. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 6)
- Design and plan a solar thermal system. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 4, 5, 7)
- Explain the operation and maintenance of a solar thermal system, given a set of plans and schematics. (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Engage in professional behavior.
- Demonstrate punctuality when attending class, participating in off-site projects, and submitting assignments.
- Communicate using industry-appropriate language in presentations, reports, and homework.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior when working with others.
- Examine appropriate codes and standards concerning safety, installation, and operation of solar thermal systems and components.
- Identify different skills and trades involved in a typical solar thermal installation.
- Examine the codes and standards that apply to solar thermal installation.
- Differentiate the various types of collectors and their uses.
- Describe various piping materials and connecting techniques, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Evaluate the effects of wind loading on collectors.
- Evaluate a site for the installation of a solar thermal system.
- Select the site for panel orientation and shading for solar heating potential.
- Evaluate structural integrity of collector mounting site.
- Research local code requirements to plan an installation.
- Design and plan a solar thermal system.
- Identify a manufacturer's collector and mounting system appropriate for the site conditions.
- Identify acceptable roof and/or wall penetration methods.
- Determine piping strategy and materials.
- Design and plan pump(s), tank(s), and other components as required.
- Determine and explain sequence of operation and control strategy.
- Analyze power requirements.
- Create a detailed cost estimate for project installation.
- Explain the operation and maintenance of a solar thermal system, given a set of plans and schematics.
- Interpret the desired flow of fluid in the system from existing conditions.
- Measure system performance characteristics such as flow, temperature rise, and heat output.
- Interpret wiring schematics to plan maintenance or repair operations.
- Distinguish system performance problems based upon on-site measurements.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
- Calculate, analyze, and verify the energy use of buildings based upon the interaction of energy consuming building systems.
- Evaluate residential buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
- Prepare and present technical reports.
- Analyze the economic, environmental, and business implications of potential energy measures.
- Perform preliminary and in depth site and customer suitability evaluation of potential applications for solar use.
- Design and calculate the output of an optimal site-specific array by deriving panel configuration and specifying components.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.