CHEME 6660

Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024. Courses of Study 2024-2025 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

Quantitative methods of engineering and life cycle analysis for energy choices in a contemporary sustainability context. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics, transport, and reaction kinetics applied to representative energy supply and end use technologies. Topics include resource assessment, energy extraction/capture, conversion, distribution, storage, and consumption; environmental and economic consequences; local to global scales.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: CHEME 3130, ENGRD 2210/MAE 2210, MSE 3030 or equivalent recommended.

Course Attribute (CU-SBY)

• Quantify current energy supplies and demands. Learn and appreciate the importance of geopolitical/social context in sustainability analysis.
• Develop advanced skills for engineering analysis, including process thermodynamics, 2nd-law/availability analysis, transient heat conduction, and economics.
• Minimize energy consumption or maximize energy production in processes, e.g., heat-to-work in Rankine cycles, heat and work inputs for chemical conversions, work inputs for refrigeration.
• Assess and compare options for sustainable energy recovery from our natural environment, including geothermal, bio, and solar energy.
• Complete a comprehensive design project, working in teams of typically two students each, that involves both oral and written communication of results.

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