Teaching Solar and Wind Energy Conversion Course For Engineering Students: A Novel Approach

Solar and Wind Energy Conversion (S&WEC) course has evolved as an important core course in the curriculum of the B.Tech (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) programme, the evaluation of which is done in a conventional way using written exams. There is a need for better evaluation methods in order to help students develop deeper comprehension of topics and associated practical skills. This paper discusses the implementation of some innovative assessment methods towards this objective. A total of 43 students of final year Electrical and Electronics Engineering registered for the S&WEC course whose performance is evaluated through open book test, quiz, research article based evaluation and experiment-based learning besides the sessional examination. The open book test comprised of questions to analyze the real time data/case study, while the quizzes are designed to be not straight forward, requiring critical thinking to answer the fundamental principles of the course. Since wind and solar energy are active research areas and also to inculcate research aptitude in students, the assessment scheme of "Research Article based Evaluation" has been used. Students were also exposed to specifically designed experiments in this course in order to give hands-on training to appreciate the concepts better. The application of basic principles was tested through the internal assessment exam. The course end survey through student feedback indicates high level of satisfaction. Most of the students gained confidence in practical skills and critical analysis skills through the various assessment methods adopted. By experiment based learning, the students can realize their own level of potential and it increases the capability of the students to face challenges that they normally meet in the real time work environment. It is recommended to explore further innovative assessment methods such as project based learning or involvement of industry personnel to evaluate this course in order to add value to the learning experience of students.