Power Plant Industry Fundamentals

Catalog description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of power plant fundamentals and the challenges and advantages of major electrical power generation unit types. A very basic understanding of the principles of thermodynamics as well as the theory and design of fossil, nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind generation systems and related equipment, along with storage technologies will be addressed. Maintenance and operational requirements and special concerns involved in each type of generation are addressed. Topics of instruction consider the difficult choices faced by developers of electrical generation facilities for accommodating costs and environmental concerns, as well as ensuring reliable and economical fuel/energy supplies are available for customer needs. Options for future generation systems and the related advantageous choices each holds for future sources of electricity for the US will be studied. Research reports on the subject matters and sub-topics related to power generation are required of participants in this course.