ME 444
ADVANCED POWER GENERATION

Information
4 Credits
Available Fall term
Lecture/Recitation
OSU Catalog link 		Prerequisites
ENGR 312
ENGR 332 		Contact
Richard B. Peterson
(541) 737-7095
314 Rogers Hall

Course Description

This course focuses on the thermodynamic evaluation of modern power generation technologies, including fossil and nuclear Rankine cycle power plants, gas turbines, cogeneration power plants, distributed power generation, and fuel cells. Topics important to the future of energy technology and power generation are also addressed.

Topics

  • Energy sources and characteristics
  • Structure of the utility industry
  • Conversion techniques
  • Heat transfer review
  • Thermochemistry including the thermodynamics of mixtures
  • Balance of reactions, heats of formation, chemical equilibrium
  • Thermodynamics of fuel cell operation
  • Combined heat and power systems
  • Heat-activated cooling systems
  • The hydrogen economy

Learning Outcomes

The student, upon completion of this course, will be able to:

  • Apply thermodynamic and heat transfer fundamentals to the analysis of problems involving selected advanced power generation concepts.
  • Apply basic thermochemistry to combustion and fuel cell systems.
  • Define problems and correctly use nomenclature in the context of advanced power systems engineering and state the importance of the subject matter to future energy needs.
  • Analyze and design "ideal" advanced power concepts for a limited class of applications including (but not limited to) combustion-driven Rankine cycle systems, fuel cell systems, and combined heat and power systems.