Mar 14, 2026  
2026-2027 Graduate Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Graduate Academic Catalog
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

ARE 5880 - Renewable Energy Systems for Buildings

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course examines renewable energy technologies and their integration into building systems for architectural engineering applications. Topics include wind energy, solar thermal technologies, and photovoltaic systems for building energy supply, geothermal systems for HVAC, and strategies for reducing environmental impact. Students will evaluate system design, performance, and economics within the context of sustainable building practices.
Prereq: ARE 3101, ARE 3401
Note: This course is open to qualified undergraduate students
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Identify renewable energy technologies applicable to building systems
  • Analyze solar thermal and photovoltaic systems for building integration
  • Analyze wind energy systems for building-scale applications
  • Evaluate geothermal systems for HVAC applications
  • Apply engineering economic principles to assess renewable energy projects in buildings
  • Assess environmental impacts and sustainability benefits of renewable energy in architectural engineering
  • Design conceptual renewable energy solutions for building projects

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Basic thermodynamics
  • Electrical fundamentals
  • Heat transfer and fluid mechanics
  • Building mechanical and electrical systems

Course Topics
  • Fundamentals of energy and sustainability in buildings
  • Solar thermal systems for domestic hot water and space heating
  • Photovoltaic systems for building electrical supply
  • Passive solar design principles
  • Wind energy applications for distributed building power
  • Geothermal heat pumps and ground-source systems
  • Energy storage and integration with building systems
  • Engineering economics and life-cycle cost analysis for building energy systems
  • Environmental impacts and mitigation strategies in building design
  • Case studies of renewable energy in architectural engineering projects

Coordinator
Dr. Habib Mazidi



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)