CHEME 6660 - Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems

(CU-SBY)

Fall. 2 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: CHEME 3130, ENGRD 2210/MAE 2210, MSE 3030 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. Learn and appreciate the importance of geopolitical/social context in sustainability analysis.

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

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.

Outcome 4: Assess and compare options for sustainable energy recovery from our natural environment, including geothermal, bio, and solar energy.

Outcome 5: Complete a comprehensive design project, working in teams of typically two students each, that involves both oral and written communication of results.