RNEW 1300 Introduction to Traditional and Renewable Energy

Description

Introduction to Traditional and Renewable Energy introduces students to various forms of energy stemming from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Students will study many sources of energy including solar thermal power, solar photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydroelectricity, tidal power, wind energy, wave energy, geothermal energy and fossil fuels. The First Law of Thermodynamics is studied along with conversion and efficiency of various forms of energy. The economics, potential and environmental impact will be covered for each topic.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

None

Corequisite

None

Topics to be Covered

1. Force, energy and power relationships

2. Energy conservation: The First Law of Thermodynamics

3. Conversion and efficiency

4. Solar Thermal Energy

5. Solar Photovoltaics

6. Bioenergy

7. Hydroelectricity

8. Tidal Power

9. Wind Energy

10. Wave Energy

11. Geothermal Energy

12. Natural Gas

13. Coal

14. Energy integration

15. Career opportunities/exploration

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss fundamentals and basic principles of operating and maintaining wind, solar, and fossil fuel power generation and distribution facilities.

2. Discuss basic principles of operating and maintaining biofuel plants.

3. Discuss basic principles of operating and maintaining natural gas pipelines.

4. Identify career opportunities as they relate to the various energy industries.

5. Identify sources used to provide energy in today’s society.

6. Identify major components of various energy systems and the technologies associated with them.

7. Discuss economic, potential impact and environmental impact of various energy systems.

8. Discuss the issues relating to energy integration.

Credit Details

Lecture: 3

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): None