MSCI 450:
Introduction to Renewable Energy
Semester:Spring2017
Instructor: RoiGurkaemail: ffice: CSCC178 phone: 843-349-5097
Office Hours: TBD, otherwise by appointment
Class Times: M,W 5:25-6:40, Brittain Hall, Room 109
Textbooks: It is not necessary to purchase a textbook in order to follow the course, as notes will be provided. Useful background reading includes:
1.H.A. Sorenson, 1983, Energy Conversion Systems, J. Wiley andSons.
2.T.D. Eastop and D.R. Croft, 1990, Energy Efficiency for Engineers and Technologists, Longman.
3.B.K. Hodgem, 2010, Alternative Energy Systems, J. Wiley andSons.
Course Description:Introduction to Renewable Energy (3) (Prereq: PHYS 211 and PHYS 211L). The course introduces the concept of renewable energy systems. The course will cover fundamental aspects of thermodynamics and physics. Topics will include hydro-kinetic, aero- and hydro-propulsion and solar with emphasis on the principles of operation, efficiency, environmental impact and performance. Three lecture hours per week. S.
Objectives:
To cover fundamental aspects of thermodynamics, physics, flow and transport processes as applied to energysystems.
To introduce the basic technical and economic criteria for the design of efficient energy conversion systems, including traditional as well as alternative power systems.
To discuss strategies for increased energy efficiency and more environmentally soundoperation.
To assess design alternatives and selection criteria based on long-term economic viability and overall energy managementstrategies.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this Course, students will be able to:
Understand basic concepts in energy conversionmethods
Identify the various component a given energy system.
Analyze energy systems, from macro and micro point of views.
Assess energy conversion alternatives based on economical criteria, design considerations and environmentalconcerns.
Synthesize basic calculations with physical considerations when selecting energy conversion systems.
Understand the impact of converting energy in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
Distinguish with the various renewable solutions in convertingenergy.
Evaluate energy chains, from fuel tousage.
Attendance Policy:
If you miss more than four classes (excused or unexcused), your final grade may be dropped by a letter grade. If you miss more than eight, you may automatically receive a failing grade for the course. Attendance will be checked at the beginning of each class.
If you have two unexcused absences in a row, you will be contacted to come see me to address/justify those absences.
Grading policy: The course grade will be based on two components: (1) Assignments (30%); (2) Term project report (70%).
The term project aims to improve the student’s knowledge of a specific area by providing a critical appraisal of an energy conversion process (or series of linked processes) through examining current practice, including example calculations, the process efficiencies and alternative strategies for achieving the same practical outcome, against a background of the need to reduce local and global carbon emissions. The report will contain a discussion and evaluation of the research reported in the literature concerning theory, empirical, experimental (field and laboratory) and numerical modeling work carried out to investigate the processes, including engineering, scientific and economic literature, where appropriate.
Assignments may include quizzes, graphing, data analyses and writing assignments as well as take-home essay questions. Late assignments will not be accepted after the scheduled deadline for each assignment. Required readings are indicated on the course syllabus as well as the coursewebsite.
Grading scale: A (90-100), B+ (85-89), B (80-84), C+ (75-79), C (70-74), D+(65-69), D (60-64), F (59 and below).
Statement of Community Expectations / Academic Honesty: Please review the most recent version of this policy on the Coastal Carolina website
Tentative schedule
Week / Date / Day / Topic1 / 10-Jan / T / Introduction to energy conversion
12-Jan / TH / Introduction to energy conversion
2 / 17-Jan / T / Economic considerations in energy production
19-Jan / TH / Economic considerations in energy production
3 / 24-Jan / T / Fuels (wind, water, solar, hydrogen)
26-Jan / TH / Fuels (wind, water, solar, hydrogen)
4 / 31-Jan / T / Review of basic theory: thermodynamics
2-Feb / TH / Review of basic theory: thermodynamics
5 / 7-Feb / T / Review of basic theory: Physics (fluids)
09-Feb / TH / Review of basic theory: Physics (fluids)
6 / 14-Feb / T / Performance and efficiency
16-Feb / TH / Hydro power
7 / 21-Feb / T / Hydro power (Dams)
23-Feb / TH / Wave energy
8 / 28-Feb / T / Tidal energy: underwater turbines
2-Mar / TH / Visit: Dams; Lake Marion (Santee Dam)
Spring break: 7-12 Mar
9 / 14-Mar / T / Ocean current energy
16-Mar / TH / Ocean thermal energy
10 / 21-Mar / T / Wind turbines
23-Mar / TH / Wind turbines
11 / 28-Mar / T / Solar energy
30-Mar / TH / Solar energy
12 / 4-Apr / T / Visit: Clemson wind turbine facility (Charleston)
6-Apr / TH / Converting to energy: electricity and power
13 / 11-Apr / T / Fuel cells: Hydrogen
13-Apr / TH / Fuel cells: principle and operation
14 / 18-Apr / T / Bio-fuels: harvesting micro-Algae
20-Apr / TH / Bio-fuels: utilization and feasibility
15 / 25-Apr / T / Summary
Term project report submission