CHEME 6660 - Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems

Fall. 3 credits.

Prequisites: Engineering thermodynamics or equivalent recommended.

J.W. Tester.

Quantitative methods of engineering and life cycle analysis for energy choices in a contemporary sustainability context. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics, transport, and reaction kinetics applied to representative energy supply and end use technologies. Topics include resource assessment, energy extraction/capture, conversion, distribution, storage, and consumption; environmental and economic consequences; local to global scales.

Outcome 1: Quantify current energy supplies and demands. (a,e,j) Learn and appreciate the importance of geopolitical/social context in sustainability analysis. (f,h,j)

Outcome 2: Develop advanced skills for engineering analysis, including process thermodynamics, 2nd-law/availability analysis, transient heat conduction, and economics. (a,c,e,k)

Outcome 3: Minimize energy consumption or maximize energy production in processes, e.g., heat-to-work in Rankine cycles, heat and work inputs for chemical conversions, work inputs for refrigeration. (a,c,e,k)

Outcome 4: Assess and compare options for sustainable energy recovery from our natural environment, including geothermal, bio, and solar energy. (a,e,h,k)

Outcome 5: Complete a comprehensive design project, working in teams of two students each, that involves both oral and written communication of results. (a,c,d,e,f,g,h,j,k)