

M-TECH in Renewable Energy at College of Engineering Trivandrum


Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Renewable Energy at College of Engineering Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram?
This Energy Systems program at College of Engineering Trivandrum focuses on sustainable energy generation, conservation, and management. It addresses India''''s growing energy demands and the transition towards cleaner energy sources. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to energy challenges, equipping students for diverse roles in the sector. India''''s energy landscape requires skilled professionals for its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical, electrical, and related engineering graduates seeking entry into the sustainable energy sector. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upgrade their skills in energy management, renewable technologies, or energy policy. Career changers with a strong technical background wishing to contribute to India''''s green economy will find this program beneficial. Prior knowledge in thermodynamics and heat transfer is advantageous.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as energy auditors, renewable energy engineers, project managers in power plants, or research scientists in energy R&D firms. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20 lakhs or more. Opportunities exist in PSUs like NTPC, MNRE, and private sector giants focusing on sustainable solutions and energy efficiency.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Engineering Foundation- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant effort to mastering advanced engineering mathematics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. Form study groups to tackle complex problems and discuss concepts. Focus on understanding the theoretical underpinnings that support energy system design and analysis.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Textbooks by Cengel, Incropera, P. K. Nag, Online forums like Stack Exchange for engineering queries
Career Connection
A robust foundation is critical for excelling in subsequent specialized courses and for cracking technical interviews for core engineering roles in the energy sector.
Explore Energy Conversion Technologies- (Semester 1)
Beyond coursework, research current trends and challenges in energy conversion techniques, especially focusing on their application in the Indian context. Read case studies on successful energy projects in India and analyze their feasibility, impact, and economic viability.
Tools & Resources
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reports, IRENA publications, Technical magazines like ''''Power Line'''', Industry-specific webinars
Career Connection
Develops a broad understanding of the energy landscape, enabling informed career choices and better contribution to industry discussions and strategic planning.
Initiate Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 1)
Approach the Research Methodology course with a practical mindset. Identify potential research interests early, practice literature review, and understand academic writing conventions. Prepare diligently for Seminar I by choosing a relevant, contemporary topic.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Google Scholar for research papers, University library resources
Career Connection
Lays the groundwork for thesis work and future R&D roles, enhancing critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication abilities essential for innovators.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Renewable Energy Applications- (Semester 2)
Deep dive into specific renewable energy systems like solar, wind, and biomass through dedicated coursework and additional reading. Explore their design principles, operational challenges, and integration into the grid. Consider elective subjects that align with specific career interests.
Tools & Resources
Online courses from Coursera/edX on specialized RE topics, Industry white papers and case studies, Renewable energy journals and publications
Career Connection
Builds specialized expertise highly valued by renewable energy companies and research organizations for roles in design, implementation, and operations & maintenance.
Enhance Energy Simulation Proficiency- (Semester 2)
Maximize learning from the Energy Simulation Lab. Master software tools for CFD, energy auditing, and system modeling. Apply these tools to real-world energy problems in your Mini Project, focusing on optimizing energy efficiency or system performance.
Tools & Resources
ANSYS Fluent, SolidWorks, PVSyst, EnergyPlus, MATLAB/Simulink
Career Connection
Directly translates to job requirements in energy system design, consulting, and R&D, allowing for effective analysis and problem-solving skills valued in the industry.
Network and Seek Industry Exposure- (Semester 2)
Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops on renewable energy in India. Connect with professionals, alumni, and faculty involved in the energy sector. Explore short-term internships or industrial training opportunities during breaks to gain practical insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Industry events platforms (e.g., Solar India, Wind India), College career services and alumni network
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential internships and placements, provides invaluable industry insights, and helps build a professional network for future career growth.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Project- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant time and effort to your M.Tech Project (Phase I & II). Choose a research problem with practical relevance to the Indian energy sector, focusing on innovation or efficiency improvement. Ensure rigorous methodology, thorough analysis, and clear communication of results.
Tools & Resources
Advanced simulation software, Experimental lab facilities, Statistical analysis tools like R/Python, Academic writing guides and thesis templates
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates problem-solving abilities, research aptitude, and specialized knowledge, which are highly attractive to employers and for higher studies.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva Voce and Placements- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically revise all core subjects and project work in preparation for the Comprehensive Viva Voce. Simultaneously, prepare for placement interviews by practicing technical questions, aptitude tests, and soft skills. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly.
Tools & Resources
Interview preparation platforms (e.g., GeeksforGeeks), Previous year question papers, Mock interview sessions, College career guidance workshops
Career Connection
Ensures readiness for final academic assessment and maximizes chances of securing a good placement in leading energy companies or research organizations in India.
Explore Entrepreneurship or Higher Studies- (Semester 3-4)
For those interested in entrepreneurship, explore opportunities for energy startups or innovative solutions for rural electrification/decentralized energy. For higher studies, research PhD programs and contact potential supervisors. Attend entrepreneurship bootcamps or workshops.
Tools & Resources
Government startup initiatives (e.g., Startup India), University incubation centers, Research funding agencies, GRE/TOEFL preparation resources
Career Connection
Provides pathways beyond conventional placements, fostering innovation or deep academic pursuit in the rapidly evolving energy sector, contributing to India''''s technological advancement.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must hold a B.Tech or B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, or a closely related field, with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA). A valid GATE score is highly preferred and often mandatory for admission and scholarship opportunities.
Duration: 4 semesters
Credits: 67 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07ME6101 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core | 3 | Matrices and Vector Spaces, Numerical Methods, Transform Techniques, Calculus of Variations, Probability Distributions |
| 07ME6103 | Advanced Thermodynamics and Combustion | Core | 3 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Entropy and Exergy Analysis, Thermodynamic Relations, Combustion Chemistry, Reaction Kinetics |
| 07ME6105 | Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer | Core | 3 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer Principles |
| 07ME6107 | Energy Conversion Techniques | Core | 3 | Conventional Power Generation, Renewable Energy Sources, Fuel Cells and Energy Storage, Combined and Cogeneration Cycles, Energy Conservation |
| 07ME6115 | Energy Auditing and Management | Elective | 3 | Energy Conservation Principles, Types of Energy Audits, Energy Management Strategies, Demand Side Management, Renewable Energy Economics |
| 07ME6181 | Energy Systems Lab | Lab | 2 | IC Engine Performance Analysis, Heat Pump and Refrigeration Systems, Solar Collector Experiments, Wind Turbine Characteristics, Fuel Cell Performance Testing |
| 07RM6001 | Research Methodology | Research Component | 2 | Research Problem Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Statistical Methods, Report Writing and Presentation, Intellectual Property Rights and Ethics |
| 07ME6191 | Seminar I | Seminar | 1 | Literature Review Techniques, Technical Presentation Skills, Scientific Writing, Current Research Trends, Topic Selection and Scope |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07ME6102 | Renewable Energy Systems | Core | 3 | Solar Energy Technologies, Wind Energy Systems, Bioenergy Conversion, Geothermal and Ocean Energy, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems |
| 07ME6104 | Power Plant Engineering and Economics | Core | 3 | Thermal Power Plants, Hydro and Nuclear Power, Gas Turbine and Combined Cycles, Power Plant Economics, Environmental Impacts and Control |
| 07ME6106 | Energy Storage Systems | Core | 3 | Thermal Energy Storage, Electrical Energy Storage, Mechanical Energy Storage, Chemical Energy Storage, Battery Technologies, Hydrogen Storage |
| 07ME6116 | Combustion Engineering | Elective | 3 | Fuel Characteristics, Combustion Theories, Flame Propagation, Furnaces and Boilers, Pollutant Formation and Control |
| 07ME6122 | Fluidized Bed Combustion | Elective | 3 | Fluidization Principles, Bubbling and Circulating Fluidized Beds, Atmospheric and Pressurized FBC, Heat Transfer in FBC, Design and Operation of FBC Systems |
| 07ME6182 | Energy Simulation Lab | Lab | 2 | CFD Simulation Techniques, Energy Modeling Software, Heat Transfer Analysis, Fluid Flow Simulation, Optimization of Energy Systems |
| 07ME6192 | Seminar II | Seminar | 1 | Advanced Research Topics, Critical Analysis of Publications, Proposal Writing, Technical Communication, Recent Innovations and Patents |
| 07ME6194 | Mini Project | Project | 3 | Problem Identification and Scoping, Design and Development, Implementation and Testing, Report Preparation, Presentation Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07ME7101 | Waste to Energy | Elective | 3 | Waste Characterization, Incineration Technology, Gasification and Pyrolysis, Anaerobic Digestion, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) |
| 07ME7111 | Hydrogen Energy | Elective | 3 | Hydrogen Production Methods, Hydrogen Storage and Transportation, Fuel Cell Technologies, Hydrogen Economy Concepts, Safety Aspects of Hydrogen |
| 07ME7191 | Project Phase I | Project | 6 | Literature Review, Problem Definition and Objectives, Methodology Development, Project Planning and Scheduling, Preliminary Design and Data Collection Plan |
| 07ME7193 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 2 | Overall Program Knowledge, Core Energy System Concepts, Recent Advancements in Renewable Energy, Application of Engineering Principles, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07ME7192 | Project Phase II | Project | 10 | Implementation and Experimentation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Results and Discussion, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Final Presentation and Viva Voce |




