Course Identification

Undergraduate level physics, chemistry and thermodynamics

I. Material covered in the course

1. Definitions of systems for energy utilization and parameters for evaluating them
2. Historical development of energy utilization
3. Present energy utilization systems – what they are, how they work, criteria for evaluation, advantages, disadvantages and effect on the environment
4. Future energy utilization systems – requirements and possibilities.

II. Special Project/Assignment

The student will be divided into small groups and each group will evaluate the potential of a specific energy utilization technology (e.g. specific nuclear method, wind energy, solar photovoltaic, solar-thermal, etc.) for various applications.

Interaction between groups for finding a combined solution will be allowed, but restricted.

Each group will present its solution to the class (15-20 minutes presentation) and on the following week, we will discuss the various solutions.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student  should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how energy utilization systems work
2. Analyze and compare the performance of various systems

1. N.V. Khartchenko and V.M. Kharchenko, Advance Energy Systems, 2^nd ed. CRC press, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1-4398-8.
2. G.A. Olah, A. Goeppert and G.K. Surya Prakash, Beyond Oil and Gas: The Methanol Economy, WILEY-VCH Verlag Gmbh & Co. KGaA, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-3-527-31275-7.
3. Some papers will be suggested during the course.