Introduces energy conversion, the study of energy sources, basic energy conversion concepts, applied mechanics, and measurement of their basic quantities. Emphasizes how to identify and use basic methods for measuring, monitoring, and calculating energy as applied to energy conversion, conservation, and use in various simple machines and power systems.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Energy and Energy Systems - Human Energy
Identify the source, uses, and environmental impact of human energy.
- Harnessing Energy
Describe methods by which energy is harnessed.
- Power Systems
Describe a power system. Analyze and calculate the power output of a practical system.
- Energy Production and Consumption
Describe and list various methods and systems of energy production and consumption in the US.
- Transportation Systems
Describe how energy is delivered in various systems.
- Energy Conversion Systems
Describe, analyze, and compare various energy conversion systems.
- Power Transmission Systems
Describe, analyze, and compare various power conversion systems.
- Fossil Fuels -- Coal
Describe the process from extraction to use of coal as a power source including its efficiency and environmental impact.
- Fossil Fuels -- Petroleum and Natural Gas
Describe the process from extraction to use of petroleum and natural gas including its efficiency and environmental impact.
- Solar Energy (passive and active)
Describe the process from extraction to use of solar energy including its efficiency and environmental impact.
- Kinetic Energy
Define and identify how kinetic energy is applied.
- Nuclear Energy
Define and identify nuclear energy systems and their components. Identify environment issues. Demonstrate through simulation typical safe nuclear reactor operation.
- Biomass Energy
Identify the source of feed stock in biomass operations. Compare various systems for using biomass for fuel production.
- Thermal Energy
Define and identify thermal energy systems and their components. Compare and contrast typical heat pump systems with geothermal systems.
- Conservation of Energy
Identify Department of Energy and Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy programs. Describe the resources these departments provide for analyzing conservation systems.
- Energy in the Future
Describe and identify possible sources of energy in the future.
- Careers in the Energy Field
List and describe various energy jobs available to HFC graduates as they relate to their studies.
Student must have access to a computer to complete the requirements for the course. This may be at home or when without a home computer the student must access computer lab computers on campus on a regular basis through out the course. Student must be computer literate with web browsers, word processing, spread sheets, e-mail, and other computer-online activities.
Assessment and Requirements
Student must have access to a computer to complete the requirements for the course. This may be at home or when without a home computer the student must access computer lab computers on campus on a regular basis through out the course. Student must be computer literate with web browsers, word processing, spread sheets, e-mail, and other computer-online activities.