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Session 3413

A Student-Driven Enterprise in Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels Jason M. Keith Department of Chemical Engineering Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI 49931

Abstract

This paper describes an interdisciplinary, research-oriented student project in alternative energy at Michigan Technological University (MTU), currently funded by the United States Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Students can participate in the project as an elective or in pursuit of an “enterprise minor” over a period of three years.

The Alternative Fuels and Fuel Cell Enterprise (AFE) is run as a business with student management and faculty oversight. The students have arranged themselves into sub- teams that are active in the following projects:

Development of a hybrid diesel / fuel cell military transport AIChE Chem-E-Car competition Recruting, public relations, and fundraising Business plan and accounting

The paper will further illustrate the structure of Michigan Tech’s enterprise program and how AFE is helping students learn to solve real-world energy problems, work in teams, and communicate with other students, faculty, and industry.

Motivation for Alternative Energy

The search for alternative energy sources is an area that has received great attention in the last few years. This has been brought to light recently in the January 2003 State of the Union address by President George W. Bush, who requested that Congress approve $1.2 billion in federal funds over a five year period for hydrogen fuel cell research for passenger vehicles. Furthermore, in her State of the State address in February 2003, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm made her own commitment by stating “not only will we build these cars in Michigan, our Automotive Technology Corridor will help develop the fuel cell technology those cars will run on.”

Student Interest in Studying Alternative Energy

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright @ 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Keith, J. (2004, June), A Student Driven Enterprise In Fuel Cells And Alternative Fuels Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13710