Introduction to Energy Generation, Delivery, Conversion and Efficiency

Catalog description

An overall introduction to energy issues as they related to generation, delivery, conversion and efficiency. Topics include efficiencies of both new and established energy generation and conversion methods, electricity generation by fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, wind and hydropower and alternative energy technologies. Other topics include space heating and cooling by traditional methods and by solar, transportation energy in automobiles, mass transit and freight. Topics are evaluated quantitatively by modeling and using principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. The environmental consequences of energy choices on local, national and global scales, including toxic emissions, greenhouse gases and resource depletion are also discussed in integrated throughout the course. Prerequisite: Mechanical Engineering 331L, or Mechanical Engineering 512, or Physics 311, or similar thermodynamics, or consent of instructor. Course is not open to students who have taken Mechanical Engineering 461.