Non-conventional Energy Resources Course | Solar, Wind, Batteries, Fuel Cells | IIT Madras
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 4593 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Energy and Environment, Energy Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Non-conventional Energy Resources: Powering a Sustainable Future
The global energy landscape is undergoing a monumental shift. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident and the limitations of fossil fuels more apparent, the world is turning its focus to non-conventional energy resources. Understanding these technologies—from their fundamental principles to their real-world applications—is no longer a niche interest but an essential knowledge base for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and policymakers.
This is precisely the knowledge gap that a comprehensive 12-week course, designed and taught by Prof. Prathap Haridoss of IIT Madras, aims to fill. Tailored for undergraduate and postgraduate students, this multidisciplinary journey delves deep into the technologies that will define our sustainable future.
Meet Your Instructor: Expertise from Academia and Industry
The course is led by Prof. Prathap Haridoss, a distinguished professor in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at IIT Madras. Prof. Haridoss brings a rare blend of academic excellence and industry experience to the table.
- Educational Background: B.Tech from IIT Madras and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
- Industry Experience: Former Senior Scientist at Plug Power, a leading fuel cell company in New York.
- Proven Expertise: Holder of 3 US patents, numerous international publications, and author of the book “Physics of Materials.”
His hands-on experience in bringing fuel cell concepts to commercial products ensures that the course content is not just theoretically sound but also grounded in practical, real-world challenges and solutions.
Course Overview: A Deep Dive into Alternative Energy
ABOUT THE COURSE: This course provides a thorough examination of the operating principles, key materials, characterization techniques, and performance metrics of major non-conventional energy technologies. It offers a critical perspective by comparing their advantages and limitations against conventional energy sources.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Interested undergraduate and postgraduate students. The course is designed to be accessible to students who have completed their first two years of undergraduate study.
PREREQUISITES: A foundational understanding of basic engineering or science concepts is sufficient.
Weekly Course Layout: Your 12-Week Learning Pathway
The course is meticulously structured to build knowledge from the ground up, starting with the global energy context and moving into specific technologies.
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scale of quantities, Impact of current energy usage, Conventional sources | Setting the global energy context |
| 2 | Overview of non-conventional resources, Consumption by sector | Introduction to alternatives and demand patterns |
| 3 | Solar energy incident on earth, solar spectrum | Fundamentals of solar radiation |
| 4 | Solar Thermal devices | Technology for converting sunlight to heat |
| 5 | Solar Photovoltaic devices, Performance and durability | Technology for converting sunlight to electricity |
| 6 | Wind energy, technology and geographical aspects | Harnessing wind power |
| 7 | Geothermal and Biomass | Earth's heat and biological energy sources |
| 8 | Battery basics, types | Energy storage fundamentals |
| 9 | Testing and performance of batteries | Evaluating storage systems |
| 10 | Fuel cell types, Fuel processing, concept to product | Electrochemical conversion devices |
| 11 | Characterization and durability of fuel cells | Analysis and longevity of fuel cells |
| 12 | Flywheels and super capacitors | Advanced energy storage and delivery systems |
Why This Course is Essential for the Future
This course falls squarely within critical modern categories: Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Energy and Environment, and Energy Systems. It doesn't just teach how a solar panel works; it explains its role in the larger energy ecosystem, its economic and environmental trade-offs, and the materials science behind its efficiency and degradation.
For any student aspiring to contribute to fields like renewable energy engineering, sustainable development, climate policy, or advanced materials for energy, this course offers an unparalleled foundation. It transforms students from passive consumers of energy information into informed critics and innovators capable of evaluating and advancing the technologies that will power our world.
By the end of 12 weeks, you will have a holistic, detailed, and practical understanding of the key non-conventional energy resources that are crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy security. Enroll to begin your journey at the forefront of the sustainable energy revolution.
Enroll Now →