Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Connie Gomez, University of Texas at El Paso; Heidi Taboada, University of Texas at El Paso; Jose Espiritu, University of Texas at El Paso; Noe Vargas Hernandez, The University of Texas at El Paso

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

environment.This paper describes an approach that will design new curricula based on the current trends fordeveloping commercial products that are manufactured from renewable and biodegradablematerials, and that will have a minimal environmental impact given our nation’s agriculture,economy, environment, manufacturing, and engineering resources. Through the development ofthis curriculum, students will gain a background and an appreciation of the complexity of ournation’s agricultural system as well as awareness for possible careers within theagriculture/environmental sustainability/biomaterials manufacturing engineering fields whiledeveloping their professional skills.Through this approach, we plan to generate new courses that present students with

Conference Session

Learning about Power Systems and Power Consumption

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joshua Baumgartner, LeTourneau University; Timothy Hewitt, LeTourneau University; Edgar Licea, LeTourneau University; Nolan Willis, LeTourneau University; Matthew Green, LeTourneau University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2010-828: SYSTEMS DESIGN OF A HYDRO-KINETIC TECHNOLOGY FORRURAL AREAS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIESJoshua Baumgartner, LeTourneau University Joshua Baumgartner is a senior mechanical engineering student at LeTourneau University. A National Merit Finalist and member of LeTourneau’s Honors Program, he advanced to the 2008 ASME Student Design Contest International Finals with his sophomore design team. Joshua plans to return to his hometown of San Antonio to work in building design and become a professional engineer. His other career interests include teaching engineering and designing for people with disabilities.Timothy Hewitt, LeTourneau University Tim Hewitt is currently studying for his

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joshua Goldade, University of North Dakota; Tessa Haagenson, University of North Dakota; Hossein Salehfar, University of North Dakota; Mike Mann, University of North Dakota

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

travel experience includes a summer study trip to Iceland through Bemidji State, a month teaching English at a summer camp in Spain, and three months in Argentina taking intensive Spanish language classes through a Rotary International program. Following seasonal employment with an environmental engineering and consulting firm in Nebraska, Tessa returned to school to supplement her academic background and pursue a career in engineering. She is currently enrolled in the electrical engineering program at the University of North Dakota and is enjoying opportunities to gain familiarity with the technical aspects of renewable energy systems.Hossein Salehfar, University of North Dakota Hossein

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith Coogler, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2010-1232: DEVELOPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY COURSE FOR ATECHNOLOGY PROGRAMFaruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State UniversityKeith Coogler, Sam Houston State University Page 15.405.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2010 Development of a Renewable Energy Course for a Technology ProgramAbstractEnergy systems play a critical role in everyday life and are an important part of engineering. Theacademic, business, and industry fields have been seriously pursuing renewable energy systemsadvantageous to their needs. Students graduating from engineering and technology programs areinvolved in buying, managing, and trading alternative energies during their careers as part

Conference Session

Project-based Education in Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith Coogler, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2010-1256: STUDENTS BUILT EDUCATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGYTRAINING UNITSFaruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State UniversityKeith Coogler, Sam Houston State University Page 15.1131.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2010 Student-Built Renewable Energy Training UnitAbstractEnergy is one of the major building blocks of modern society. Understanding energy meansunderstanding energy resources and their limitations, as well as the environmental consequencesof their use. When preparing students for their future careers, real world training is a plus duringtheir education. Renewable energy training units are very important for the hands-on laboratorysections of energy

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth Van Treuren, Baylor University; Ian Gravagne, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

great success. This individual, who waspursuing a career working with college students, was full of energy and ideas, just the type ofindividual that was well suited to the task of planning extra-curricular activities. These activitiesincluded social dinners, picnics, and trips to sports activities. Couple these activities with thestudents living together in a dorm situation and it is easy to see how the goal of communitydevelopment was met successfully.Other areas that were difficult for the authors were field trips to energy facilities and bringing inguest speakers. Energy facilities, such as power plants, were not open to tours. This is thereality of the world in which we are living after 9/11. In its place, the ELG made use of

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Page 15.1319.5Maximum student enrollment 12 12Session offerings in summer 1 12.1) Goals of ProgramThe goals set for this program were multifaceted and remained essentially unchanged for eachyear’s session. These included: a) Provide students an opportunity to learn both the basic science and engineering theory of alternative energy systems. b) Give students a hands-on experience through “you build-it” projects and by using alternative energy systems. c) Educate students about career opportunities and the diversity of skills that can be utilized in the alternative energy field. d) Expose students to the LTU campus and to

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dale Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University, Berks; Thomas Gavigan, Penn State Berks; Brittany Farrell, Penn State Berks

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2010-1293: ENERGY HARVESTING INVESTIGATIONS BYUNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTSDale Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Dale H. Litwhiler is an Associate Professor at Penn State, Berks Campus in Reading, PA. He received his B.S. from Penn State University (1984), his M.S. from Syracuse University (1989) and his Ph.D. from Lehigh University (2000) all in electrical engineering. Prior to beginning his academic career in 2002, he worked with IBM Federal Systems and Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems as a hardware and software design engineer.Thomas Gavigan, Penn State Berks Thomas H. Gavigan is an Assistant Professor at Penn State, Berks Campus in Reading, PA. He

Conference Session

Project-based Education in Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carl Spezia, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Jason Buchanan, Southern Illinois Universaity, Carbondale

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

AC 2010-84: COMPACT FLORESCENT LAMP HARMONIC ANALYSIS ANDMODEL DEVELOPMENT-AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCECarl Spezia, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Carl J. Spezia is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Technology Program located in the Department of Technology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). He joined the program in1998 as a Visiting Assistant Professor. He worked as a power systems engineer for electric utilities for eight years prior to seeking a career in higher education. He is a licensed professional engineer in Illinois. His industrial assignments included power system modeling, power systems protection, and substation design. He

Conference Session

Energy Education and Industry Needs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Recayi 'Reg' Pecen; Soner Tarim

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, State ofTexas Department of Education, and higher education institutions. It creates an intellectualpipeline for energy, engineering, and environmental related careers and invites students intothese important areas of the workforce. An awareness was created among students to preparethemselves as future scientists and engineers who have great understanding of global issues andto tackle the challenges to maintain global sustainability.The I-SWEEEP mobilizes many national and international science fair organizations, schooldistricts, higher education institutions, and industrial organizations to work together towards thesustainable world. These events promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, energymanagement, and clean energy technology

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ilya Grinberg, Buffalo State College; Mohammed Safiuddin, State University of New York, Buffalo; Chilukuri Mohan, Syracuse University; Steve Macho, Buffalo State College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

). Fig.3. Typical LevelAddressing the challengesIn September 2009, Department of Energy issued a call for proposal DE-FOA-0000152Recovery Act – Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector seeking applications that willsupport and greatly expand job creation and career advancement opportunities within the utilityindustry and the electric power system equipment manufacturing sector. Two types ofapplications were specified:Topic A. Developing and Enhancing Workforce Training Programs for the Electric Power Sectorwith subtopic Strategic Training and Education in Power Systems (STEPS) and Topic B. SmartGrid Workforce Training. The objective of STEPS is to support educators at universities andcolleges (including community colleges) in developing

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liping Guo, Northern Illinois University; Andrew Brewer, Northern Illinois University; Brett Speiser, Northern Illinois University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

) PinIn the students’ final project report, students state that “The design challenges presented anoutstanding learning experience to help add knowledge in troubleshooting and circuit design on apractical level as opposed to a simulation level. The final circuit is the result of lots of hard work,with much knowledge gained along the way.” This shows students gained valuable realengineering experiences through this project, which will benefit their future careers. Page 15.349.5 Figure 2. Experimental setup of the solar battery charger Table 3. Efficiency of the SEPIC converter with different input voltage

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jaby Mohammed, The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi; Sana Nawaz, Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne; Reynaldo Pablo, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

preparing students for the LEED APAccreditation Exam. The text book for this course “Sustainable Construction and Design”explains in detail the LEED rating system, distribution of credits, and the Certification process.Course goals: The goals of the course were to increase student awareness about the LEED ratingsystem, help them in being a LEED AP and support USGBC efforts in promoting sustainability.Another important objective of course was to assist student in taking LEED AP AccreditationExam before graduation so they can start a professional career with LEED Accreditation in hand.Course Contents:The major topics covered in the course were: ≠ The Foundations of Sustainability ≠ Site and Natural Energy Mapping : Covering USGBC LEED NC

Conference Session

Project-based Education in Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Craig Somerton, Michigan State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

: a. Student’s reason for participating on this project. b. Student’s skills and talents that he/she brings to the project. c. Student’s academic standing. d. Impact on student’s career and life.The two teams are given below: Fall Semester Team Brian Kunkel, William Hurles, and Bryce Thelen Spring Semester TeamNabeel Aslam, Kevin McPhail, Ryan McPhee, Brent Rowland, and Eric TingwallThe author took on the role of faculty advisor for both teams.The DesignFollowing the traditional design process, the first step was to develop a conciseproblem statement. After significant discussion with ATDC, the followingstatement was developed: The goal of this project is

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Patrick Cunningham, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

to be considered a reasonable substitute in consumers’ eyes. Additionally, thecost of fuel cell powertrains must be comparable to internal combustion engine powertrains. Asa result, fuel cell technology requires significant engineering development to meet these criteriaand bring them to the mass market. Bringing fuel cells into the classroom will help motivate topursue careers in the fuel cell industry and prepare them to be able to contribute to fuel celldevelopment.A relatively quick internet search will show that there are currently few fuel cell courses offeredin higher education. There may be modules on fuel cells contained within other courses, forexample within courses on thermodynamics, power plants, or renewable/alternative energy

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elizabeth Garcia, Miami Dade College; Jonathan Andrechik, U.S. Coast Guard

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

0 of students.29. The instructors had competency in 41 59 0 0 0 0 100 0 the subject of ocean energy.40. I believe this course will benefit 34 59 7 0 0 0 93 0 me during my career.45. I researched the issues discussed in class on my own after 3 69 10 17 0 0 72 17 presentations/discussions.49. My ability to communicate with students from other majors has 17 31 28 24 0 0

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Riddell, Baker College Of Flint; Anca Sala, Baker College Of Flint

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

ProgramProgram Educational Objectives1) To produce graduates who demonstrate professional competence in engineering practice inlocal and global industry environments, or in related careers in government or academia.2) To produce graduates who exhibit effective communication, team work, and readiness forleadership while acting ethically and professionally.3) To produce graduates who maintain awareness of societal and contemporary issues and fulfillcommunity and society’s needs.4) To produce graduates who actively engage in life-long learning, by completing professionaldevelopment/training courses and workshops, acquiring engineering certification, or pursuingand completing an advanced degree.Program OutcomesThe graduate will have:(a) an ability to apply

Conference Session

Energy Education and Industry Needs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jai Agrawal, Purdue University, Calumet; Omer Farook, Purdue University, Calumet; Chandra Sekhar, Purdue University, Calumet

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

author of a textbook in Power Electronics, published by Prentice-Hall. His professional career is equally divided in academia and industry. He has authored several research papers in IEEE journals and conferences.Omer Farook, Purdue University, Calumet OMER FAROOK is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Department at Purdue University Calumet. Professor Farook received the Diploma of Licentiate in Mechanical Engineering and BSME in 1970and 1972 respectively. He further received BSEE and MSEE in 1978 and 1983 respectively from Illinois Institute of Technology. Professor Farook’s current interests are in the areas of Embedded System Design, Hardware – Software

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Simon, University of Nevada, Reno; Ted Batchman, University of Nevada-Reno; Christine Taylor, Lewis and Clark University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

environmental paradigm.‖ Journal of Environmental Education. 40(1): 19-28.7. Gross, M. 2007. You, too, can be green: The case for campus commitment and action, Community College Journal. 31: 463-474.8. Inglehart, R. 1990. Culture shift in advanced industrial society. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.9. Jorgenson, H. 2006. A green campus culture in Wisconsin, Techniques Connecting Education and Careers. 81(4): 23-25.10. Kalkani, E., Boussiakou, I., and Boussiakou, L. 2004. Application of educational theories in restructuring an introductory course in renewable energy engineering, European Journal of Engineering Education. 29(3): 401-413.11. Keeney, R., von Winterfeldt, D., and Eppel, T. 1990. Eliciting

Conference Session

Learning about Power Systems and Power Consumption

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Justin Reed, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Daniel Ludois, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Maria Hamlin, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

_____ c. Humanitarian efforts _____ d. Group work, team building _____ e. Grades _____ 4. Do you think power electronics will play an important role in your engineering career? a. Extremely important b. Very important c. Important d. Slightly important e. Not very importantMost course are taught using problem sets for each separate topic. Imagine that you are taking acourse that instead teaches theory and assigns problem sets based around one specific applicationof the technology from the class. For example, a course on hydraulics that teaches theory usingthe Boeing 777

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Blekhman, California State University Los Angeles; Jason Keith, Michigan Technological University; Ahmad Sleiti, University of Central Florida; Eileen Cashman, Humboldt State University; Peter Lehman, Humboldt State University; Richard Engel, Schatz Energy Research Center; Michael Mann, University of North Dakota; Hossein Salehfar, University of North Dakota

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

research and supervisory capacities within the Energy & Environmental Research Center between 1981 and 1999 when he joined the faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Mann was recognized as a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor in 2009, the highest honor bestowed by UND. He is a NSF Career Award winner. Dr. Mann's principal areas of interest and expertise include performance issues in advanced energy systems firing coal and biomass; renewable and sustainable energy systems with a focus on integration of fuel cells with renewable resources through electrolysis; production of fuel and specialty chemicals from crop oils; and development of energy strategies coupling