|
Day |
Topics
Subtopics
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Reading
Please read the material
before
class on the given day.
|
|
1
M 4/03 |
Intro, strategy, hints
|
Nothing yet
|
|
2-3
W-F 4/5-7
|
Energy from the perspective of physics:
SI energy units. The Energy Conservation Law
Various forms of energy
Conversion of one energy form to another
|
Lecture Notes. Week One
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|
4-6
M-F 4/10-14
|
To understand the need for alternative
energies, we should talk first of conventional
energy sources and their drawbacks
Conventional energy sources. Mined fuels.
Global resources. How are they converted to
electric power? Physics: the conversion
efficiency. Maximum efficiency (the Carnot
Engine). The efficiency of real engines.
Why aren't we happy with conventional energy
production? Some reasons: limited resources of
fossil fuels; CO2 emission; and last,
but not least, political factors
|
Lecture Notes, Week 2
|
|
7-9
M-F 4/17-21
|
Hydroelectric Power:
Origin (converted solar power)
World and US largest hydropower plants
Generation by country, future predictions
Harnessing: Types of turbines
Types of hydropower plants, pumped storage plants
Atomic (Nuclear) Power: basic physics
of radioactive decay. Nuclear fission. Elements
of reactor physics: why they are water-filled?
Controversial aspects of nuclear energy.
|
Lecture Notes, Week 3
|
10-12
M-F 4/24-28
|
Wind Power
Solar Power
It's advisable to choose the Term Paper
topic by the end of this week. No need to ask Dr. Tom for acceptance, but if in doubt whether the
topic
is OK,
please talk to Dr. Tom during
the OHs,
or even right after the class.
|
Lecture Notes, Week 4
|
|
13-15
5/01-05
|
Solar Power, continued
Geothermal power
|
TBA
|
|
Week 6
|
Ocean waves, Tides & Ocean Currents
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
Midterm test, Wed., May 10
(during normal class hours, but venue TBA).
The test will cover the material done in the first
five weeks. A "study guide" will be posted
at least a week ahead of the test.
|
TBA
|
|
Week 7
|
Transportation - mainly, electric cars
Batteries for electric cars
Biofuels
|
TBA
|
|
Week 8
|
Biofuels, cont.; Transmission of
electric power over large distances
About a plan of making the US almost totally
independent on fossil fuels by the year 2100
|
TBA
|
|
Week 9
|
Guest Lectures?
|
No reading?
|
|
Weeks 10
|
Presentations of selected term papers?
Review before the final exam
Term papers due: if in a hardcopy form,
at the last class meeting (June 9).
If in electronic form (must be PDF),
should be sent by e-mail by the end of 6/9.
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All material
|
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Final Week
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Final exam -- 9:30-11:20 am, Friday, June 16, 2017; venue
TBA
|
All material
|