Environment General Courses (ENVIRON)

graduate level, taught in Durham

298.23 Energy Technology and its Impace on the Environment
Spring 2006 MW 11:40-12:55
Professors Cox, Harman and Knight

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Our dependence on abundant and inexpensive energy for a vibrant and growing economy presents us with a wide variety of options. However, each of these options has environmental consequences, some of which may result in unintended and undesirable outcomes. In addition, while the options may seem straightforward on the surface, the technology that underlies them is complex. A quantitative understanding of the concept of energy and the natural laws that govern its conversion from one form to another is an essential element in understanding the often conflicting issues between societies energy needs and societies concern for environmental degradation.

Each of the current and potential sources of energy is reviewed. Included is consideration of the quality of energy from the prospective of the second law of thermodynamics. An overview of current power production and its environmental consequences is presented. Combustion and fossil fuel power plants are discussed. The purpose of the various components is pointed out. Nuclear reaction and commercial nuclear power plant operation is likewise explained. The nature and extent of the environmental by-product of operation of these plants is detailed quantitatively. Energy use in transportation is considered in terms of fuel use and environmental impact, especially with regard to air pollution. Alternatives to current transportation practice are considered. Pollution produced by power plants, including thermal, particulate, chemical and radiological is discussed and possible solutions or alternatives are presented. Energy use in buildings and the potential for conservation measures is cited. Across all the technology and consumption categories, particular attention is devoted to the total cycle efficiency and the resulting implications for the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Aspects of carbon sequestration are discussed.

Renewable energy resources are given special attention in terms both of their promise to alleviate need for non-renewable resources and their environmental effects. Hydropower and biomass are cited in terms of their current contributions to energy needs as well as their potential in the future. Other potential sources of renewal energy such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ocean thermal, wind, geothermal, and tidal energy are considered and put into context in terms of their present contribution potential both for power production and for pollution avoidance.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS

An assignment that is due to be completed by the next class period will usually be given in each class period. Generally, the assignment will include written work and is subject to being collected and graded. Considerable emphasis is placed on these assignments because learning this material is an extraordinarily cumulative process. New material is added each class session. Mastering each new element facilitates mastering the next. Completing assignments in a timely manner is extremely important for clarity of understanding.

The grades will be based on:
Average of collected assignments and term report* 40%
Average of 4 written exams 40%
Participation 20%
* Term papers to be selected from a list of approved topics

SCHEDULE

Readings from:
Energy and Problems of a Technical Society by Ristinen and Kraushaar
Tomorrow’s Energy by Peter Hoffmann
Engineering Response to Global Climate Change, ed. By Robert Watts
Energy and the Environment by James Fay
Instructorrs: F. H. Cocks , C. M. Harman, J. D. Knight,

First Course Module:
Energy and energy conversion
U.S. energy resources and consumption
Heat engines and fossil power plants
Thermal and air pollution, CO2 accumulation
Coal fired power plants, pollutants released
Particulate, SO2 and Hg control
Nuclear reaction
Nuclear power plants, safety, environmental impact
Radioactivity and used fuel rod storage
Nuclear power and global warming
Module 1 Exam
Second Course Module
Hydro-power and effect on river ecology
. Pumped storage, tidal energy, ecological effects
Wind energy, reliability
Solar energy resource, photovoltaics
Energy from biomass
Passive solar architecture and systems
Active solar thermal systems
Module 2 Exam
Third Course Module
Transportation energy consumption
Auto engines and air pollution
Advanced automotive technologies
Mass transportation/transport issues
Fuel cells, types, capability
Fuel cells, air pollution avoidance
Fuel cells, infrastructure and the environment
Module 3 Exam
Fourth Course Module
Solar photovoltaic energy
Solar photovoltaic energy
Solar photovoltaic energy and its environmental impact
Ocean thermal geothermal energy and environmental impact
Carbon sequestration and global warming
Global warming: predictions and possibilities
Module 4 Exam
Presentations and Summation