Course Description:  This course studies energy systems which utilize various energy sources including both renewable and non-renewable fuel.  System components and operationsn of thermal, hydropower and nuclear generating stations, as well as biofuel reactor, fuel cell, wind turbine, solar electric and solar thermal power are investigated.  Sustainability of energy sources, cost-benefits and their social acceptability as well as environmental impacts are addressed.

Prerequisite:  PHY 121 or PHY 172 or PHY 182)

Objectives:

• Identify various energy sources and methods of energy consumption as well as system costs, performances, and environmental impacts.
• Describe green house gas emissions and their effects on climate change.
• Explain carbon sequestration technologies and evaluate the relative merits of each technique.
• Describe the system components and operation of thermal, hydropower and nuclear generating stations.
• Describe the priniciple of operation of wind turbines, biofuel reactors, fuel cells, hydro power generators and photovoltaic systems.
• Evaluate the pros and cons of various sources of energy in terms of cost-benefit, social acceptability and environmental impact.
• Formulate a feasible energy public policy.

 Team Project:

This course will include a team project. Students will work in groups of 3 or 4 on the project and produce a final written reort.  Each project team will present their work in a 15-minute presentation at the end of the semester.

The team may select its own project subject to the instructor's approval, or select from the following list of possible topics:

• Describe a design for a wind power system, solar thermal system or a solar generator.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cell power system over conventional fossil fuel systems.
• Describe methodologies to converting waste to bio-fuel on the Miami campus, or in the Oxford community.
• Formulate a feasibility plan for an offshore wind farm in Lake Erie.