2014-2015 Academic Catalog

May 20, 2024

2014-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

IDCE 368 - Global Renewable Energy Systems

From the U.S. to Ugandan energy systems, this course explores renewable energy in the transportation, industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. A common thread of energy conservation weaves technologies into a common language of energy sources, storages, converters, carriers, and end-uses. Furthermore, in addition to calculating energy in all its forms, students will build small desktop-scale, working laboratory-based vertical and horizontal wind turbines; hydroelectric turbines; solar panel powered homes, cars, and boats; battery, capacitor, and hydrogen fuel cell cars; and combine them into their designed sustainable city. Theory simulations and laboratory experiments solidify students’ language acquisition of energy in terms of mathematical and colloquial terms. Finally, global debates of countries’ energy portfolios evolve students’ engagement and understanding of the U.S. energy crisis debate versus the Ugandan hidden energy crises situations. This course is designed for all levels of scientific background and literacy; however, it is specially crafted for IDCE ES&P graduate students to design and analyze energy systems in relation to climate change and development. Minimal math skills, including algebra and trigonometry, are expected.