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The TCNJ Energy Effort: Applications to Thermodynamics Courses Patrick A. Tebbe, Ph.D. Department of Engineering The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ 08628

Abstract

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a small primarily undergraduate in stitution currently offering degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering, as well as engineering management. Due to its small size TCNJ does not have a specialization or program track in the power or energy areas. Lack of student and faculty interest as well as the perception that power was not a “hot” or growing field had created an atmosphere of indifference regarding energy issues common to institutions across the nation. However, through the combined efforts of the college facilities staff and the Department of Engineering a program of energy education and student activities has been initiated which has quickly grown into a robust component of the engineering program and campus. The purpose of this paper will be to describe the TCNJ Energy Effort and its application in existing thermodynamic courses. It is hoped that the success of this effort will serve as a guide and inspiration for other academic institutions and programs to revitalize interest and education in energy issues.

Introduction

The prosperity of the United States is due in no small part to the abundance of energy. Yet at the same time a reliance on oil generates complicated political problems. Methods of generation bring up environmental and health dilemmas. Managing such a critical infrastructure also challenges both business and government with great responsibility. For such an important topic relatively few have a superficial, let alone in-depth, understanding of it.

This can be said to be true for those trained in science and engineering as well; fields intimately associated with energy. In the author's opinion, many students and faculty do not see energy as a "hot" field. Some opinions that have been expressed are that it is not a high paying field, it is not a growth field, nothing new is being done, and other technology areas are more exciting. This situation creates a potential for misfortune. An example can be found with the nuclear engineering field. In recent years enrollment has been down as many nuclear programs have closed their doors. At the same time the combination of a retiring nuclear workforce with the extension of nuclear plant operating licenses and the possibility of future plant construction leaves the nuclear industry with a potential shortage of qualified applicants for vacant positions.

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Tebbe, P. (2002, June), The Tcnj Energy Effort: Applications To Thermodynamics Courses Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10794