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22.081

Introduction to Sustainable Energy

3-1-8 units · Undergraduate

Assessment of current and potential future energy systems. Covers resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use technologies, with emphasis on meeting 21st-century regional and global energy needs in a sustainable manner. Examines various renewable and conventional energy production technologies, energy end-use practices and alternatives, and consumption practices in different countries. Investigates their attributes within a quantitative analytical framework for evaluation of energy technology system proposals. Emphasizes analysis of energy propositions within an engineering, economic and social context. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to juniors and seniors.

Fall 2010

Topics

  • Introduction
  • Overview of energy use and related issues
  • Toolbox 1: Energy transfer and conversion methods
  • Recitation 1: Discussion of sustainability issues
  • Toolbox 2: Resource evaluation and depletion analyses
  • Toolbox 3: Energy conversion, transmission, and storage
  • “Wind power fundamentals.” (contributions from Alex Kalmikov & Kathy Araujo)
  • Toolbox 4: Systems analysis methodologies
  • Toolbox 5: Energy supply, demand, and storage planning
  • Toolbox 6: Electrical systems dynamics
  • Toolbox 7: Economic feasibility assessment methods
  • Toolbox 8: Thermodynamics and efficiency calculations
  • Nuclear energy I: Basics and current status
  • Fossil energy I
  • Cape Wind energy and offshore wind projects
  • Current energy policy
  • Fossil energy III
  • Electricity generation options
  • Nuclear energy II: Waste disposal and Yucca Mountain
  • Nuclear energy III: Expansion of civilian nuclear power and proliferation
  • Fusion as a future energy source?
  • Carbon management options
  • Geothermal energy
  • Recitation 2: Carbon limitation options / critique (student-led discussion)
  • Biomass I: Resources and uses
  • Biomass II: Producing liquid fuels
  • Lifecycle analysis of biomass conversion
  • Toolbox 9: Probabilistic risk analysis
  • Recitation 3: Current energy policy / critique (student-led discussion)
  • Hydropower
  • Course summary, panel discussion

Prerequisites & course information

Same subject as 2.650[J] , 10.291[J] Subject meets with 1.818[J] , 2.65[J] , 10.391[J] , 11.371[J] , 22.811[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall) 3-1-8 units

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