ME 408Energy Systems

3 credits · Mechanical Engineering · Penn State

Theory, analysis, design, selection, and application of energy conversion systems. This course is intended for mechanical engineering students to reinforce the topics taught in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer; gives students familiarity with energy conversion systems using traditional and renewable energy sources which are typically encountered by mechanical engineers, and improves students' analytical and design skills. Coverage of materials include heat exchanger analysis, selection, and design with respect to heat transfer, pressure drop, and fluid pumping requirements; analysis and design of power cycles based on thermodynamic principles; fundamentals of combustion processes; introduction to wind energy and wind turbine aerodynamic analysis; fuel cell fundamentals and analysis of fuel cell problems and systems based on thermodynamics and heat transfer principles. Students will be evaluated by homework assignments; individual and small team projects; and exams.