Course Description

[H79.2466.1] This class introduces students to concepts of sustainable sources of energy. The course begins with a broad overview of the topic, a definition of terms, and an opportunity to discuss the political and social ramifications of the field. At the same time, students will be introduced to a handful of technical concepts that supplement the skills learned in physical computing. These skills will allow the student to evaluate, monitor, harvest, and store small and/or intermittent sources of (typically electrical) energy, such as those from solar cells, turbines, and other sources. Students will execute two small hands-on projects and one larger-scale project using the concepts learned in the class.

Contact: jfeddersen [at] gmail [dot] com

Goals

1. To develop a broad perspective and nuanced understanding of energy sources and flows.

2. To become well-versed in the current state of the art in energy conversion and storage, as well as near- and far-term technologies that may impact the field.

3. To gain the skills necessary to create projects utilizing novel ambient energy supplies, and to measure and monitor the energy usage in those projects.

4. To develop a larger-scale group project utilizing a currently available renewable energy supply.

Assignments

Weekly Participation [50%]

Your active and engaged participation in the course is vital. Readings and additional materials will be discussed in each class, and you should be prepared and familiar with the topics at hand. Additionally, students will sign up for a specific week to lead a 10-15 minute discussion of energy related current events.

Pre-midterm projects [25%]

Pre-midterm work will consist of an energy flow research presentation in week 4 (details covered in the first class), and a kinetic or solar powered project to be presented in week 8 (details for this will be covered in the second week). The primary purpose of both these projects is to facilitate your understanding of the technical concepts presented in the class.

Final Project [25%]

During the second half of the course [weeks 9-14] you will conceive, execute, and present a larger project. This project will be done in groups of two to four. Details will be provided in the syllabus.

Readings

Energy: A Beginner's Guide
Vaclav Smil
2006, Oneworld Publications
ISBN: 978-1851684526

We'll be using this excellent text as a the main reading for the course. It provides a wealth of technical detail in a cross-disciplinary context. Smil has published a number of other works on the topic. It should be available through the NYU bookstore for about $15. Barnes & Noble has it for the same price; Amazon has it for a little less.

The Bottomless Well
Peter Huber and Mark Mills
2006, Basic Books
ISBN: 978-0465031177

Amazon has it for less than $10.

There will be additional reading materials assigned throughout the course. Details will be provided in the syllabus.

Office Hours

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-6:15PM.

Wiki

A wiki has been provided for your use. It's available for all project documentation, class notes, etc. if you choose. If you prefer to document your work elsewhere, at a minimum, please provide links on the wiki to the external documentation.

Archive

Spring 2007 and Fall 2004.