Energy Conversion Processes

Catalog description

Emphasizes processes for conversion of fossil fuels, nuclear and biomass to other fuel forms as transportation fuels and electricity. EGEE 451 Energy Conversion Processes (3) The primary objective of this course is to expose students to the principles of chemical and nuclear reactions that underlie most major energy conversion processes, particularly with reference to the conversion of energy resources such as fossil and nuclear energy to fuels and electric power. The emphasis of the first major unit of the course is on fundamental reaction chemistry including nuclear. The second objective is to connect chemical and nuclear principles to practical energy conversion processes by an analysis of case studies used as examples of such processes as ethanol via fermentation, biodiesel via transesterification, formation of light liquids by pyrolysis, coal gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, direct coal liquefaction, fissionable and fertile isotopes chain reactions, breeding cycles and reactors, and electric power from nuclear reactions. This is a required course for the energy engineering major and will be offered in fall semester with an enrollment of about 50. Student performance will be assessed through weekly homework, mid-term tests, student projects and final exam.