EGEE 438 - Wind and Hydropower Energy Conversion
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course examines the principles of sustainability and renewable energy conversion, with emphasis on wind and hydro energy resources. Concentration is placed on the relationships between the renewable resources, conversion technology and economic feasibility along with consideration of the associated risks and environmental impacts. Students will understand both the principles of operation and the application of wind and hydropower technologies in an evolving energy economy. It will complement existing courses on fossil fuel and solar energy conversion. Students will actively participate in learning through team projects and classroom-based problem sessions. This is a required course in the energy engineering major and may serve as an elective to other engineering majors.
Objectives
- Overview of Renewable Energy: Comparisons with conventional technologies, generation and transmission of electricity basics, concepts of dispatchability and peak vs. base load, and economics.
- Wind Power: Resource assessment, power, and energy calculations, aerodynamic analysis, development of the Betz limit, design limitations and optimization, and environmental impact of wind energy conversion devices.
- Water power: Technology overview of conventional hydropower, in-stream hydrokinetics (river/ocean current and tidal power), wave power, resource assessment, power and energy calculations, hydraulic efficiency of turbine operation, design issues, and environmental impact.
- Applied Energy System Analysis: Applying the principles learned from the previous segments to a site-specific application.
Toward these objectives, students who successfully complete EGEE 438 will be able to:
- Apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of wind and hydropower technologies and their application.
- Determine wind and water power resource siting requirements for project development.
- Calculate and assess how the design of renewable energy technologies and the resulting economics can drive their implementation.
- Integrate the considerations of economic, environmental, sustainability, health and safety, social, and political factors in the analysis of a wind or water power technology application.
- Participate effectively in independent and team-based problem-solving.
- Analyze and communicate information through written and verbal presentation of findings.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Textbooks
All materials needed for this course are presented online through our course website, in Canvas, or will be available in digital format through the Penn State Library. Two reference texts, in particular, are listed below. In order to access all materials, you need to have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password (used to access the online course resources). If you have any questions about obtaining or activating your Penn State Access Account, please contact IT help.
Wind Energy Handbook, Second Edition, by Tony Burton. 2011.
Wind Energy Explained, Theory Design and Application, Second Edition, by James Manwell. 2009.
Energy Resources & Systems Volume 2: Renewable Resources, by Ghosh & Prelas. 2011.
Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy, by Kanoğly, Ҫengel and Cimbala, 2020.
Look these titles up on the PSU Library website. in Lion Search and look for the "Full text online" link if the links above do not work. You will need be logged in to your PSU account.
Software
TopHat (no charge)
Prerequisites
EGEE 302: Principles of Energy Engineering and EME 303: Fluid Mechanics in Energy and Mineral Engineering (please reach out with questions about whether you are prepared to take this course without these prerequisites)
If you have not completed the listed prerequisites, then promptly consult with the instructor if you have not done so already. Students who re‐enroll after being dis‐enrolled according to this policy are in violation of Item 15 on the Student Code of Conduct.
Expectations
I have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. In one sense online and hybrid classes are no different than a traditional college class: how much and how well you learn is ultimately up to you. On average, most students spend eight to ten hours per week working on course assignments. You will succeed if you are diligent about keeping up with the class schedule and if you take advantage of opportunities to communicate with me, as well as with your fellow students. We will meet less frequently because of the time you will spend out of class reviewing the material online. The time we do spend in class will be focused on active learning/problem solving, discussion, and project work.
Major Assignments
EGEE 438 will rely upon a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:
- Homework Assignments, 15 % of the total course grade
- 2 Mid-Term Exams, 45% of the total course grade
- Project, 25% of the total course grade
- 8 Quizzes, 10% of the total course grade
- Participation, 5% of the total course grade
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lesson 1: Wind Industry |
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| 2 & 3 | Lesson 2: The Wind Resource |
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| 4 | Lesson 3: Energy & Economic Analysis |
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| 5 & 6 | Lesson 4: Wind Turbine Aerodynamics |
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| 7 | Lesson 5: Project Development and Environmental Impacts |
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| 8 & 9 | Lesson 6 (a): Hydroelectric Dams |
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| 10 | Lesson 7: Tidal/Hydrokinetic Power |
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| 11 | Lesson 8: Wave Power |
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