615.448 - Alternate Energy Technology Course Homepage
Instructor Information
Harry Charles
Email: harry.charles@jhuapl.eduWork Phone: (443) 778-8050
Home Phone: (301) 725-6997
Dr. Charles holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and The Johns Hopkins University, respectively. He is a member of the Principal Professional Staff at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Department Head of the Technical Services Department. Dr. Charles has worked for over 30 years in the microelectronics arena and is a specialist in solid state physics, electronic devices, packaging, and reliability. His latest interests include ultra-thin modules; advanced interconnect; biomedical instrumentation; nano-scale electronics; and alternate energy. He has published over 200 papers on electronic devices and packaging, along with thirteen patents and several pending patent applications. Dr. Charles is a Fellow and former President of IMAPS - The Microelectronics and Packaging Society, a Fellow of the IEEE, and a past member of the Board of Governors of the IEEE's Components Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (CPMT) Society. He has received international recognition for his research, development, and teaching activities, including ISHM's Technical Achievement Award (1987), selection as Maryland's Distinguished Young Engineer (1989), The Johns Hopkins University's Outstanding Teaching Award (1992), the CPMT Board of Governors' Outstanding Service Award (1992), ISHM’s Distinguished Service Award (1994), the IMAPS Daniel C. Hughes Memorial Award (1998), and numerous awards for best papers. Dr. Charles has taught for 30 years in the Johns Hopkins University Engineering Program for Professionals (JHUEPP). He has developed nine new courses and is currently chair of the Applied Physics Program in the EPP. Dr. Charles also holds the Office of Naval Research Distinguished Chair for Science and Technology at the US Naval Academy.
Course Information
Course Description
Energy availability and its cost are major concerns to every person. Fossil fuels in general and oil in particular, are limited and the world's reserves are depleting. The question asked by many is, Are there alternatives to the fossil fuel spiral (dwindling supplies and rising costs)? This course addresses these alternative energy sources. It focuses on the technology basis of these alternate energy methods, as well as the practicality and the potential for widespread use and economic effectiveness. Energy technologies to be considered include photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind energy, geothermal and thermal gradient sources, biomass and synthetic fuels, hydroelectric, wave and tidal energy, and nuclear. The associated methods of energy storage will also be discussed.
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
Course Goal
To have the student develop a fundamental understanding of the basic physical principles underlying the various alternate energy technologies including which technology holds the greatest potential widespread use and economic effectiveness. Student should be able to perform base tradeoffs between the various alternate energy technologies.
Course Objectives
- Students master the fundamental principles of the various alternate energy schemes and where they can be applied.
- The student should be able to calculate performance measures and figures of merit for the various energy technologies to solve energy demand problems.
- The ability to distinguish between engineering performance and economic efficiency and develop cost efficient solutions to energy problems.
- The student fully understands the constraints on the various alternate energy methods when compared to conventional sources.
When This Course is Typically Offered
APL Center. Fall alternate years.
Syllabus
Topics Covered
- Alternate Energy Overview
- Energy Conservation
- Photovoltaics
- Wind
- Biomass
- Solar Thermal
- Mid-term Exam
- Geothermal & Thermal Energy Gradient
- Hydroelectric/ Tides & Waves
- Nuclear
- Energy Storage
- Fossile Fuels Revisited
- Vehicles
- Final Exam
Student Assessment Criteria
| Mid-Term Exam | 35% |
| Final Exam | 35% |
| Homework | 20% |
| Classwork/Participation | 10% |
Computer and Technical Requirements
N/A
Participation Expectations
Regular Homework. Occassionally a termpaper will be substituted for one of the exams
Textbooks
Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.
Course Notes
There are no notes for this course.
(Last Modified: 07-22-2008 at 11:07:57 AM)