Course details
This course starts off with introducing the climate system components, energy and matter flow and conversion of different forms of energy through the Earth's system. The drivers of change in the way we use energy are discussed. The basic knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics are presented as tools to explain mass and energy balances through the system and also energy efficiencies. The most recent scientific evidence on the changing climate as well as the adaptation and mitigation strategies are discussed. Linking energy sector as the single largest anthropogenic source of climate‐changing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to energy services, energy efficiency as well as the energy supply and demand side management form the bulk of the course. Conventional and renewable energy sources are discussed. Strategies for energy conservation, fuel switching and changing to passive systems are examined. Alternative energy systems that minimize the use of natural resources will be explained together with underlying social, economic and environmental considerations. Students are further engaged in exploring GHG inventories, protocols, strategies and action plans for GHG reductions, offset credits/trading systems and GHG validation/verification principals.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to EENG program
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive notifications of future course offerings and other opportunities to learn more about this course and related programs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the climate system and its recent changes, the carbon cycle, energy and matter flows through its components.
- Apply the basic concepts of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid dynamics as the tools to explain mass and energy balances through the thermal systems.
- Describe the nature of energy, its forms, modes of transfer, and applications.
- Quantify the relationship between methods of measurement, units of energy, and cost.
- Identify the driving factors and need for energy management, including GHG and air contaminants, costs, and occupant comfort.
- Explain the process and importance of evaluating GHG over the entire product/process cycle.
- Discuss primary and secondary energy, energy efficiency and scenarios for world transition towards sustainable energy systems in 21st century.
- Discuss the needs for innovative energy generation technologies well as alternative fuels.
- Carry out calculations for energy consumed vs delivered using an excel spreadsheet- based proprietary model and energy consumed vs emissions produced for transportation fuels using GHGenius modeling tool.
- Interpret GHG emission inventories and discuss benefits and drawbacks of different protocols, standards, strategies, and tools used in GHG estimates and management.
Effective as of Fall 2019
Related Programs
Climate, Energy and the Environment (EENG 7400) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Construction and the Environment
- Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Technology Full-time/Part-time
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