Renewable Energy Energy
This course is a comprehensive survey of alternative renewable energy
sources, which may be used to increase global, national, and regional energy
supplies compared to current dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Special emphasis will be placed on energy self-sufficiency of the local
community. Included are passive and
active solar, wind, fuel cell, biomass, and geothermal sources, with primary
focus of application on electrical generation, and space and water heating.
The class will also explore applications in storage systems, energy
conservation, and alternative transportation.
Technical and philosophical discussion of the environmental, social, and
economic advantages and disadvantages of each source will be included, as well
as career opportunities and marketing strategies. Prerequisites: general Math
and English competence. (Fall)
SCI
120
RENEWABLE ENERGY SITE
ASSESSMENT, DATA LOGGING AND DESIGN FACTORS 3 CR
This
course examines the theoretical background, utilization of existing
energy-potential databases, and on-site evaluation methodologies for determining
the feasibility and actual sighting of solar and wind technologies, both active
and passive, but also consideration for fuel cells, geothermal, and biomass
sources. It also guides the student through multiple deployment
methods for the installation of anemometers, pyrometers, and weather stations,
as well as their integration with state-of-the-art, data-logging computer systems.
From these databases, design factors and cost/benefit analyses are
identified for defining system design and installation. Pre-
or Co-requisites: SCI 105 or Instructor approval. (Fall)
This course
will introduce you to the basic principles of photovoltaic (PV) system
components, applications, system design, cost estimation, installation, and
maintenance. It will prepare you to
discuss these systems knowledgeably with an equipment supplier, system
installer/contractor, and with your own clients. It will also vocationally train you to size, design, cost
estimate, install, and maintain PV systems in “off grid,” “on grid,” and
hybridized configurations with other renewable energy systems.
The course will emphasize hands-on laboratory exercises on campus &
in the community, in addition to classroom presentation, discussion, films,
guest speakers, and field trips. Pre- or Co-requisites: SCI 121 or Instructor
approval. (Fall)
SCI 123 DESIGNING, INSTALLING, & MAINTAINING HYBRID WIND SYSTEMS 3 CR
This course
will introduce you to the basic principles and hands-on applications of wind
turbine electricity generation systems. Wind
resources and dynamics, site selection, components, applications, system design,
cost estimation, installation, and maintenance will be covered.
This course will also vocationally train you to size, design, cost
estimate, install, and maintain wind turbine systems in hybridized
configurations with other renewable energy systems, both “on” and “off”
grid. It will also prepare you to
discuss these systems knowledgeably with other professionals in the field, and
with your own clients. The course
will emphasize hands-on laboratory exercises on campus & in the community,
in addition to classroom presentation, discussion, films, guest speakers, and
field trips. Pre- or Co-requisites: SCI 121 or Instructor approval. (Spring)
SCI 124 FUEL CELL AND BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEMS: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES 3 CR
This course provides a comprehensive coverage and
practical experience with the design, installation, operation, and maintenance
of hydrogen fuel cells as energy storage systems and/or stand-alone electrical
generators. This is integrated with
developing advanced understanding of installing and maintaining high capacity
battery storage systems, both of which are commonly integrated with hybrid
photovoltaic and wind systems. Emphasis
will be placed on design and utilization of such systems for expanding the
energy capacity and independence within the local community.
Pre- or Co-requisites: SCI 121 or Instructor
approval. (Spring)
SCI 125
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES
3 CR