NRG 154 Alternative Energy Technologies

Course Number and Title: NRG 154 Alternative Energy Technologies

Print Syllabus
Campus Location:
Georgetown, Dover, Stanton
Effective Date:
2022-51
Prerequisite:
NRG 101, (OAT 152 or DAT 101), (MAT 152 or higher), SSC 100 or concurrent
Co-Requisites:

none

Course Credits and Hours:
3.00 credits
2.00 lecture hours/week
2.00 lab hours/week
Course Description:

This course includes a survey of energy sources such as geothermal, wind, low head hydro, solar, and biomass. Environmental, social, and economic advantages of each source are assessed.

Required Text(s):

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Additional Materials:

Scientific Calculator, Notebook

Schedule Type:
Classroom Course
Hybrid Course
Online Course
Disclaimer:

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs):
  1. Engage in professional behavior. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5)
  2. Explain the fundamental concepts of energy production from a variety of alternative sources. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC SOL 5, 6, 7; PGC NRG 7)
  3. Compare and contrast energy production from different sources, both renewable and non-renewable. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC SOL 5, 6; PGC NRG 7)
  4. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various types of energy production based upon economic, environmental, and social considerations. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC SOL 5, 6, 7; PGC NRG 6, 7)
  5. Describe the major site issues in determining the feasibility of energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. (CCC 2, 5, 6 PGC SOL 5, 6, 7; PGC NRG 6, 7)
  6. Estimate energy production from major renewable energy sources. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC SOL 5, 6; PGC NRG 7)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs):

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Engage in professional behavior.
    1. Demonstrate punctuality when attending class, participating in off-site projects, and submitting assignments.
    2. Communicate using industry-appropriate language in presentations, reports, and homework.
    3. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior when working with others.
  2. Explain the fundamental concepts of energy production from a variety of alternative sources.
    1. Identify the historical applications of alternative energy sources.
    2. Discuss current issues in alternative energy development.
  3. Compare and contrast energy production from different sources, both renewable and non-renewable.
    1. Compare the major features of renewable and non-renewable energy production.
    2. Identify energy sources that use a turbine and generator to produce electricity, and contrast the different means of turning the turbine.
  4. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various types of energy production based upon economic, environmental, and social considerations.
    1. Discuss the major factors and inhibitors for growth of a variety of alternative energy sources.
    2. Explain political factors that increase or decrease alternative energy production.
    3. Explain economic factors that affect alternative energy production.
    4. Evaluate the benefits and detriments of alternative energy production, including offshore wind, solar farms, residential wind, biofuels, fuel cells, and/or other technologies.
    5. Explain the effects of alternative energy production on animals, humans, and the landscape.
  5. Describe the major site issues in determining the feasibility of energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
    1. Identify locations that are suitable for alternative energy technologies.
    2. Describe the effect of elevation and wind speed on the feasibility of wind turbines.
    3. Describe the influence of shading and insolation on the feasibility of solar technology.
    4. Evaluate the influence of discharge and head on hydroelectric generation.
  6. Estimate energy production from major renewable energy sources.
    1. Perform back-of-the-envelope calculations for number of kW installed needed, based upon yearly electric consumption for commonly used residential energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
    2. Define basic solar energy terminology, including solar radiation, solar irradiance, solar irradiation, peak sun, peak sun hours, and insolation.
    3. Evaluate sun hours and calculate the effect on total energy output.
    4. Calculate the wind speed effect on total energy output of a wind turbine.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
0 – 69 = F

Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade:

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Exams, equally weighted

30%

Summative: Final Report/Presentation

20%

Summative: Research Paper

10%

Summative: Projects

20%

Formative (labs, quizzes)

20%

TOTAL

100%
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop):
  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major):

Energy Management

  1. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
  2. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems operation and energy consumption.
  3. Calculate, analyze, and verify the energy use of buildings based upon the interaction of energy consuming building systems.
  4. Evaluate residential buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  5. Evaluate commercial buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  6. Prepare and present technical reports.
  7. Analyze the economic, environmental, and business implications of potential energy measures.

Renewable Energy Solar

  1. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
  2. Calculate, analyze, and verify the energy use of buildings based upon the interaction of energy consuming building systems.
  3. Evaluate residential buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  4. Prepare and present technical reports.
  5. Analyze the economic, environmental, and business implications of potential energy measures.
  6. Perform preliminary and in depth site and customer suitability evaluation of potential applications for solar use.
  7. Design and calculate the output of an optimal site-specific array by deriving panel configuration and specifying components.
Disabilities Support Statement:

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. A listing of campus Disabilities Support Counselors and contact information can be found at the disabilities services web page or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements:
Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.