Sustainable Energy Technology
AREA 110 INTRODUCTION TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Fall, 3 credit hours
Students will discuss the usefulness of various types of energies as they relate to the future of this planet. Topics will include passive and active solar systems, fuel cells, hydroelectric power, geothermal heat transfer, and wind energy. Three hours lecture per week.
AREA 210 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
Spring, 3 credit hours
This course is an introduction to building science. Basic topics are introduced such as air leakage, heating, cooling, and insulation. Students will also see different types of building construction and how they relate to building science.
AREA 300 FUEL CELLS
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
Students will discover the science involved in the operation of fuel cells and technical applications of a fuel cell in providing electricity and heat. Topics explored are hydrogen as a fuel, energy efficiency, and operational characteristics of a fuel cell. In depth studies of proton exchange membrane, alkaline electrolyte fuel cells, and direct methanol fuel cells will teach students about the conversion of hydrogen fuel to useable forms of energy.
Prerequisites: Intro. to Thermodynamics (MECH 225), College Chemistry I (CHEM 105) and junior level status or permission of instructor.
AREA 303 WIND TURBINES
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course is an introduction to issues related to the production of electricity from wind power. The study of the atmospheric science necessary to locate wind turbines for the production of electricity will teach students how to interpret data. In addition, the study of design and control will allow for a comprehensive knowledge of all sub-components of a wind turbine. A complete analysis of all the technology utilized in the production of electricity will assist students in knowing the details involved in sizing and citing of wind turbines.
Prerequisites: Electricity (ELEC 261) and Electrical Energy Conversion (ELEC 215) or permission of instructor.
AREA 320 EXPERIMENTATION & MEASUREMENT I
Fall, 3 credit hours
In this laboratory students will learn experimental methods, instrumentation for engineering measurements, statistical estimates of experimental uncertainty, and calibration techniques. Students will perform laboratory experiments that are applicable to energy systems as well as to broader engineering applications. This course serves as the foundation for higher level lab and design courses in this curriculum. Three two-hour laboratories per week.
Prerequisites: Computer Applications for Technicians (SOET 110), Business Calculus (MATH 150), College Physics II (PHYS 104), Fluid Mechanics (MECH 241), Programming for Engineers (ENGS 102) or permission of instructor.
AREA 321 SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION
Fall, 3 credit hours
Solar Energy Utilization is an introductory course on solar energy with an emphasis on thermal processes. Topics include solar radiation, heat transfer, flat-plate collectors, thermal energy storage, and solar thermal applications. Three hours lecture per week.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Thermodynamics (MECH 225) or permission of instructor.
AREA 323 PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Fall, 3 credit hours
Photovoltaic Systems examines the direct conversion of solar energy to electricity. Topics include photovoltaic (PV) cell physics, types of PV cells, PV system components, and PV energy storage. Three hours lecture per week.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Thermodynamics (MECH 225) or permission of instructor.
AREA 340 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Fall, 3 credit hours
Applications of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles will explain how energy is transformed from geothermal energy to useable energy for large and small scale systems. Students will determine heating and cooling loads leading to the selection of the correct system installation to meet the demand. Correct system sizing and installation procedures will be explored along with the environmental issues related to geothermal energy production.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Thermodynamics (MECH 225) or permission of instructor.
AREA 370 EXPERIMENTATION & MEASUREMENT II
Spring, 3 credit hours
In this laboratory course students will perform engineering measurements to acceptable standards. They will also choose the method of measurement to achieve the accuracy necessary for use in alternative energy experiments. A hands-on approach will furnish practical knowledge of the operation of various alternative energy devices and diagnostic tools. The labs will reflect topics discussed in the AREA electives. Three two-hour laboratories per week.
Prerequisites: Experimentation & Measurement I (AREA 320) or permission of instructor.
AREA 291-295, 391-395, OR 491-495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Fall/Spring, 1-4 credit hours
An introductory or more advanced exploration of subjects not covered or only partially covered by other courses in alternative & renewable energy systems.