HC 399 ENERGY STORAGE AND USE IN TRANSPORTATION 2 UHC credits

CRN 16804 Section 002 TR 1300-1350 GILK 108 Lerner, Michael

When we consider the limitations of current energy sources and man‘s growing energy requirements, it is clear that major technological advances are required in our energy sector. The manner in which we bring energy needs and sources into balance will play a large role in defining global technology, economy and politics. Transportation is responsible for about 25% of all energy use, and for the large majority of our dependence on oil. It is clear that this industry must evolve. The problem is how to adapt current technologies while implementing new ones, and at the same time plan for new, revolutionary changes. In this class, we will explore some of the recent advances in vehicle propulsion, for example hybrid gas/electric, full electric and compression drives. We will discuss how energy storage relates to the ability to tap available energy sources, and examine in detail the strengths and limitations of the current technologies. Students will be asked to prepare two 20-minute presentations, and will write a research proposal. This is the first in a year-long series of Honors courses devoted to the energy theme. PREREQ: One year of college chemistry. Satisfies UHC Colloquia.

GILK 108 TR 1:00–1:50

Off Hrs: T 2:00-2:50, R 12:00–12:50

Professor Michael Lerner

Dept. of Chemistry

203 Gilbert Hall

Tel 7-6747

Email:

Texts:

Understanding Batteries, R.M. Dell and D.A.J. Rand, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2001. ISBN 0-85404-605-4. (on reserve at Valley)

Hybrid Electric and Fuel-Cell Vehicles, J. Erjavec and J. Arias, Thomson, 2007. (on reserve at Valley)

Course Website: http://www.chemistry.oregonstate.edu/courses/hc399

Topics:

1. Energy Perspective: Energy sources and uses, inter-relationships, history and projections, correlated issues

2. Energy technology background: primary sources, energy storage, devices (Chapters 1-4 in UB text)

a. Battery and Fuel Cell technologies: Focus on Alkaline and Lithium Cells (Chapters 5-7 UB), and Lead Acid, Nickel Metal Hydride, and Lithium Ion Cells (Chapters 8-12 UB)

b. Capacitors, ultracaps, and supercaps (Assigned readings)

c. Fuel cells (Assigned readings)

Presentations: two 15-20 min presentations with prepared Q/A sessions to follow

Paper: One final paper, details TBD