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Course Details
Fall 2008-2009
Course books
EvaluationELE 431 / MAE 431 / ENV 431 / EGR 431 (QR) No Audit
Solar Energy Conversion
Principles, designs, and economics of solar conversion systems. Quantity and availability of solar energy. Physics and chemistry of solar energy conversion: solar optics; quantum processes; optical excitation; and transport of excitations, electronic, and ionic charge. Methods for conversion: photovoltaics; photoelectrochemistry; photosynthesis; and solar thermal conversion. Balance of systems: power conditioning; energy collection, transport, and storage. Economics: life cycle costing; and societal value of renewable energy.
Sample reading list:
D. Yogi Goswami, Frank Kreith, Jan F. Kreider, Principles of Solar Engineering
George C. Schatz, Mark A. Ratner, Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry
Martin A. Green, Solar cells: Operating Principles, Technology
Jeremy Berg, John I.. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer, Biochemistry
Reading/Writing assignments:
Six quizzes, six homework assignment problem sets, one-hour midterm examination, three-hour final examination. 25 pages of web based information on the conversion, storage, transportation and consumption of energy.
Requirements/Grading:
Mid Term Exam - 20%
Final Exam - 40%
Quizzes - 20%
Problem set(s) - 20%
Other Requirements:
Open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students Only.
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Completed freshman science or engineering courses (MAT 104, PHY 104, CHM 207). Open to Juniors,Seniors and graduate students only, or others by permission of instructor..
Other information:
Knowledge of linear algebra and ordinary differential equations is essential. This course will fulfill a requirement for the proposed Sustainable Energy Certificate Program.
Schedule/Classroom assignment:
| Class number | Section | Time | Days | Room | Enrollment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21589 | L01 | 10:00 am - 10:50 am | M W F | Friend Center of Engineering 004 | Enrolled:18 Limit:65 | |
| P01 | 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm | F | Friend Center of Engineering 109 | Enrolled:0 Limit:30 |