Most of us use electricity in our homes in a variety of ways, but it can take its toll on the environment and the country’s natural resources. Thankfully, renewable and sustainable energy technologies are consistently being leveraged. This course offers insights into alternative energies that will assist not only those involved in the sector but individuals who are keen to create positive change in their daily lives.
The Certificate of Alternative Energy is an online professional development program that will introduce you to various energy sources and their issues, and provide inspiration for choosing, implementing and operating different types of energy solutions.
In this alternative energy course, you will learn about the nature and scope of electricity and alternative energies, and compare different methods of generating, storing and using electricity to manage your energy consumption better.
You will also learn about different energy conservation techniques, how to convert a building’s energy supply to an alternative system, and how non-electrical energy systems can be applied and operated.
On completion of this course, you will have the tools to lower your energy costs, be less dependent on mainstream energy supplies, and be inspired to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of living – either at home or in your new career!
Course Structure
Unit - Alternative Energy
Unit 1 – Introduction: the problems and the energy sources
- scope and nature
- terminology
- energy consumption through history
- climate change
- energy units
- problems with fossil fuels
- problems with other energy sources … hydro electricity, nuclear, wind, solar
Unit 2 – Understanding energy
- Terminology
- Understanding electricity
- Conductors and non conductors
- Measuring electricity …current, voltage, resistance
- Ohm’s law
- Circuits … Series; parallel
- Kirchhoffs law
- Power
- Power ratings
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism and solenoids
- Electric motors
- Inductors
- Lenz’s law
Unit 3 – Generating electricity
- Turbines
- Generators
- Fuel cells
- Wind power
- Large scale wind system design
- Small scale wind system design
- Solar energy
- Positioning a solar cell
- Small scale solar
- Future developments in solar
- Geothermal energy
- Dry steam power plants
- Flash steam power plants
- Binary cycle power plants
- Advantages of geothermal
- How geothermal is used
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Hydropower
- Tide and current power
- Tide barage
- Tidal turbines
- Wave power
- Nuclear energy
- Fission reactors
- Fusion
- Half lives and radioactivity
- Waste to energy
Unit 4 – Storage and using electricity
- Terminology
- Cells – simple cell, car battery, gel, AGM, nickel etc
- Deep cycle battery
- Lithium rechargeable batteries
- Calculating battery requirements
- Inverters
- Alternators and regulators
- Converters
- System types
- EMR and electricity use
- Recommended exposure limits
- Safety with electricity
Unit 5 – Non-electric systems
- Scope and nature
- Passive solar
- Fire wood
- Drying and storing wood
- Comparing different wood types
- Smoke fires
- Creosote formation in fire flues
- Environmental aspects of burning wood
- Biofuels
- Ethonol
- Small scale biomass
- Passive solar energy
- Solar hot water … flat plate collectors, evacuated tubes, open or closed circuit, passive or active systems, heat pumps
- Greenhouses
- Night insulation
- Solar garden water features
Unit 6 – Energy consumption
- Reducing energy consumption
- Pricing
- Population growth
- Large scale reduction of energy consumption – managing green cities, urban sprawl, peak demands, transport, etc.
Unit 7 – Energy conservation
- How a home owner can reduce energy consumption
- Temperature control
- Minimising light energy consumption
- Minimising appliance energy consumption
- Insulation
- Water conservation
- Solar house design
Unit 8 – Converting to alternative systems
- Estimating energy needs
- Building efficiency
- System design
- System designers
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
The content material was easy to understand I have enjoyed while learning and gained knowledge about my course.
A. Aden, Kewdale WA | Certificate of Alternative Energy
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Energy Advisor
- Sustainability Consultant
- Climatology Roles
- Renewable Energy Development
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