An Undergraduate Course on Renewable Energy Conversion Systems for Engineering Technology Students

In the present energy scenario, the demand for electrical energy is increasing and conventional energy resources are fast depleting. In this context, the exploitation of renewable energy sources for the generation of electrical power is the only alternative. Interest in the production of electricity from renewable energy sources and by fuel cells is rapidly increasing. The renewable energy sector is growing rapidly with both the global and national level. The solar and wind energy industries alone are seeing more than a 20% growth per annum over the last five years. Furthermore, the market for fuel cells for standalone and static power generation is also starting to grow. There have been significant advances in renewable energy conversion technologies, as well as increased demand for engineers, technologists and technicians trained in this area. This requires the development of innovative curricula, new courses, and laboratories to educate engineering students to work in this rapidly developing industry. This paper presents the development of a multi-disciplinary course on alternative energy technology. The motivation for the course is outlined and a detailed description of the topics covered in the course is given. Sample student projects, and students’ responses, as well as the students’ evaluations to the course are also presented. The course is a part of our new projected renewable energy concentration of the Engineering Technology (ET) program at our university. The course is also offered as an elective for the new graduate ET program at our university.