Energy Analysis and Design Project

3 units

The Energy Analysis and Design Project is designed to provide mechanical engineering skills in energy applications, renewable energy, and technologies related to energy which can involve heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. The project topic can be chosen by the student or can be developed by both the student and faculty sponsor. The subsequent research and analysis, conducted under the guidance and direction of the faculty sponsor, results in a final project report that is approved by the faculty sponsor. The course is normally completed over one or two semesters. Recent projects have included: Energy Modeling and Efficiency Improvements: A Comparison of TRACE 700 and eQuest, Analysis of Hydroelectric Power, Optimization of Residential Solar Thermal Heating in the United States, Analysis of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Systems, Laboratory Plug Load Analysis and Case Study, Modeling and Optimizing Hydronic Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems using Comsol Multiphysics, CFD Analysis in HVAC Applications, Energy Analysis of Waste Disposal Methods, CFD Analysis of Containment Solutions for Data Center Cooling, Energy Recovery Ventilation, Comparative Study of Green Building Rating Systems, Grid Energy Storage, Protection of Permafrost Under the Quinghai-Tibet Railway by Heat Pipe Technology, Investing in Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems, How Piping Layout Effects Energy Usage, and Comparison of Building Energy Savings Between China and the United States.