Solar walls constitute an important green architectural feature that positively contributes to energy saving in buildings. Different configurations may be proposed, such as, solar wall with Phase Change Material (PCM), composite solar wall, photovoltaic solar wall, zigzag solar wall, and solar hybrid wall. Being environmentally friendly, these passive solar components can provide thermal comfort and help save energy. Their disadvantages include principally unpredictable heat transfer, heat losses by night for some systems or inverse thermo-siphon phenomenon. Appropriate energy management techniques can be used to control and optimize the performances of solar walls. An experimental study for energy management of a PCM based solar wall is described in this paper. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed automatic control system in regulating the capture of solar energy.

Purpose -The aim of this paper is to assemble an experimental solar-based charging station for electric vehicles. This global system integrates a photovoltaic station, electric vehicles and a supervision base. The communication has been set up through a wireless network. This paper presents this project realized by different groups of foreign students working through an International Collaboration in Engineering Education. Design/methodology/approach -The approach is based on connecting technical research with engineering education. For a few years, the need of further research on renewable energies has leaded to the initiation of several student projects at the university. A group of co-operating foreign students working together within the framework of a technically innovative subject has been created through the international relations activity of the University of Artois, at IUT of Bethune (Institut Universitaire de Technologie), situated in the northern region of France. Findings -A prototype of the recharging station has been built. The measures of the energetic performances showed a good efficiency. The data exchange through the wireless network is operating properly and a computer-based supervising unit is responsible for the coordination of the station/vehicle control. The established international collaboration has demonstrated the possibility of carrying out common students' projects. Originality/value -The originality of this paper is coming from the major subjects of sustainability such as renewable energies and transportation. A solar-based station has been built and supplies electric vehicles. The wireless communication has been applied in order to perform control on long distances. This international collaboration is an innovative way for enhancing the collaboration performance in engineering education.

This chapter describes a project-based international collaboration in renewable energy systems design and implementation. The collaboration involves several educational institutions in Europe and USA. Working in teams, the undergraduate students at the partner institutions gain valuable experience in renewable energy systems design and construction. The participating students also learn effective teamwork and project management skills.

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Cet article présente un retour d’expérience sur une approche pédagogique originale pratiquée au sein du département Génie Electrique et Informatique Industrielle de l’IUT de Béthune. Cette expérience a eu lieu dans le cadre de projets tuteurs qui se déroulent sur une semaine complète et dédiée exclusivement à la réalisation de ces projets. C’est dans ce cadre qu’a été confiée aux étudiants la réhabilitation de l’éclairage de salles de travaux dirigés du département. L’objectif de ce projet était de réaliser un diagnostic photométrique et énergétique de l’existant pour ensuite proposer une solution de rénovation respectant les normes de l’éclairage. Les critères tels que le confort, éblouissement, respect des normes environnementales, bilan énergétique, retour sur investissement, etc, devaient être étudiés afin de produire un rapport complet de type professionnel. Ainsi, 27 étudiants, répartis en 9 trinômes, ont participé à cette semaine intensive. Ils ont eu en charge la réhabilitation et la rénovation de l’éclairage de 5 salles de travaux dirigés. Cette initiative a été fortement appréciée des étudiants de par l’originalité de cette approche pédagogique, ainsi que la façon de travailler sous la forme de microentreprises.