MAE 5010 - Future Energy Systems

(CU-SBY)

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: ENGRD 2210 or equivalent. Recommended prerequisite: MAE 3230, MAE 3240, or equivalents.

R. Barthelmie.

Critically examines the technology of energy systems that will be acceptable in a world faced with global climate change, local pollution, and declining supplies of oil. The focus is on renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass), but other non-carbon-emitting sources (nuclear) and lowered-carbon sources (co-generative gas turbine plants, fuel cells) also are studied. Both the devices and the overall systems are analyzed. The course explains calculations to support capacity, efficiency, and productivity of renewable energy. Cost and economics of renewables are explored as well, along with the connection to U.S. and global climate and energy policy.

Outcome 1: Students will be proficient in engineering calculations of the performance and rudimentary design of various energy conversion systems.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to become familiar with the physics of the environmental issues, including the greenhouse effect and global climate change.

Outcome 3: Students will be adept in the comparative analysis of various energy conversion systems. The comparisons will include cost, social acceptability as well as environmental consequences.