Section 600 Monday/Wednesday 1:30PM-2:30PM 133 CHRYSLER

DESIGN FOR ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
Levi Thompson

Securing our nation's energy supply is arguably the most important challenge we face. Our energy supply affects nearly every aspect of our lives, including our mobility, health, welfare, and economy. Presently, the U.S. depends heavily on foreign energy resources. For example, in 2007, nearly 60% of the crude oil consumed in the U.S. was imported; nearly one-quarter of this oil came from the Persian Gulf. With growing demands for energy from emerging economies, global climate change, and global political instabilities, we are faced with a critical need to reduce or eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and develop a sustainable energy strategy.

This course will explore the various options for sustainable energy systems via lectures, hands-on experiments and laboratory visits. Students will work in teams of 4 or 5 to design energy solutions for industrial clients. The course will culminate with final, team-based design reports and presentations that draw upon technical, communication and teamwork skills developed during the course. To prepare for this effort, students will be introduced to:

· Renewable energy technologies including those using biomass, solar energy, fuel cells and hydrogen

· Engineering memoranda and design reports

· Determination of device and system efficiencies

· Engineering and the Environment

· Effective oral presentations

· Nuclear power

· Engineering economics

Most of the course grade will be based on individual performance, although performance in teams will represent a significant portion of the grade. The following tools will be used to assess student performance:

· Homework sets

· Written reports (proposal, progress report(s) and design report)

· Exams and quizzes

· Oral presentations