Alternative Energy Fundamentals - EGE3903
Energy systems play a critical role in everyday life, and as such are an important part of engineering. This course serves as an introductory course in alternative energy. By using historical traditional energy generation methods and by reviewing typical energy consumption patterns key concepts, terminology, definitions, and nomenclature common to all energy systems are introduced. An overview of the major fuels and their energy content is also presented. The pending environmental and economic consequences of using these mature (and typically fossil fuel based) energy generation technologies along with the concepts of sustainability provide the basis for the consideration of alternative energy systems. A short power electronics portion of the course covers the major electrical generation equipment required for electric power production, transmission and power conditioning.
After a basic understanding of energy systems has been laid the core component of this course begins. When possible use of equipment from the Alternative Energy Engineering laboratory will be used to complement and augment the student’s understanding of the technologies presented. A brief introduction to atmospheric science and weather provides a foundation for the study of wind and solar energy systems. Wind and solar energy maps from the National Renewable Energy Laboratories are evaluated. Students are provided broad insight into the energy content of wind, the Betz limit, and the design and control of wind turbines. The electromagnetic spectrum and solar light are introduced. The basic science of solar energy in photovoltaic and thermal systems is presented.
The nature of biomass and biofuels are also presented. A brief review of organic chemistry provides students with an understanding of these bio-sources of fuel and their energy content. Methods of energy extraction from biomass sources including gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, biogas, landfills and fermentation are discussed. Energy from agricultural residues and municipal solid wastes, as well as ethanol, vegetable oils and bio-diesel are also addressed.
Other sources of energy are also evaluated. Use of geothermal energy is rapidly growing in the United States. The Carnot thermodynamic cycle and using the earth as a heat engine are reviewed. Natural geothermal sources, as well as building integrated technologies are evaluated. Tidal and wave energy technologies are also considered and assessed.
Fuel cells and the hydrogen economy is the last alternative energy technology reviewed in the course. The basic science of fuel cells, the various types of fuel cells, and their operation is presented. The need for fuel reforming and fuel processing is also evaluated, and the common methods for fuel reforming are considered. Hydrogen generation, handling and storage are evaluated, along with the needed safety codes.
The course concludes with a general review of how to integrate these technologies into a system providing a continuous uninterrupted power stream.
*1 (Photo credit: Hugh Reily, Sandia National Laboratories, c/o NREL)
*2 (Photo credit: Corey Babcock, c/o NREL)