The world's reliance on fossil fuels is on the brink-there is a need for engineers to pioneer new techniques for creating the energy essential for modern living. This includes finding ways to use fossil fuels more efficiently and in a way that won't harm the environment. Energy engineers also spearhead efforts to find alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind or solar power. As an energy engineer, you can have a part in providing clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy that will sustain future generations.

Program Description

Like all of Indiana Tech's engineering programs, energy engineering is academically rigorous and intensely practical. You will apply what you learn from classroom lectures to real world situations. The coursework is intense, but it needs to be because energy engineering is a career field that affects everyone in the world. That's why our class sizes are kept small so that our experienced faculty can help you succeed. When you graduate, we want you to enter the working world ready and able to make a difference.

Course Description

The focus of this program is to teach you the fundamental science and math relevant to energy production, distribution, and end use. You will learn to apply engineering concepts, calculations, and computer models to solve problems and analyze designs in these areas.

In this program, you'll take part in sophisticated projects that span several semesters. These projects will teach you to put your classroom knowledge to practical use and prepare you to deal with the issues real-world engineering teams encounter-resource allocation, meeting milestones, and the technical hurdles common to engineering challenges.

You'll also be taught the fundamentals of business and accounting-essential knowledge for engineers who often need to balance business and technical issues in order to complete a project and bring it to market.

Career Opportunities

Energy engineers have skills that will be useful in many different career fields, including:

• electric, gas and utility industries
• alternative energy industries
• product design and development teams in the transportation industries: automotive, aerospace, railways, mass-transportation, nautical, etc.
• energy saving activities in industrial, commercial, and government enterprises
• agencies and commissions involved in distributing and regulating existing energy sources, or promoting alternative energy sources

Potential Area Employers

AEP, NIPSCO, Spectrum Engineering, Water Furnace International, Variable Torque Motors

Contact the Energy Engineering Department:

800.937.2448 ext. 2216

Dave Aschliman
Dean of College of Engineering
& Computer Studies
DAAschliman@IndianaTech.edu

Dr. Min Lu
Associate Professor of Engineering
MLu@IndianaTech.edu





Energy Engineering Coursework The following are descriptions of the specialized courses that have been created for the energy engineering program. The complete curriculum for the program is on the next page.

ME 2050 Overview of Machines & Fluids

Prerequisites: MA 1100, PH 2100, EM 2030

An overview of mechanical engineering topics, exposing students to mechanical power transmission, HVAC systems, and internal combustion engines.

EE 2050 Overview of Electricity and Electronics

Prerequisites: MA 1100 and PH 2100 (concurrent permitted)

An introductory course in electrical science for engineering students other than electrical engineering majors. The course extends the student's knowledge of electrical components and circuits, studied in physics, to include dynamic circuits in the steady state. Transducer systems, electrical instruments, and electromechanical devices are introduced. Emphasis is placed on energy conversions, DC and single-phase AC motors, and three-phase power systems. Also, the Thevenin equivalent circuit of sources such as batteries is introduced.

ENE 2100, 3010, & 3020 Energy Engineering Project Sequence

Prerequisite to start: IME 2010, EGR 1710, EGR 2000 (concurrent permitted)

A project-based sequence in which the student becomes involved in an "alternative" energy project. The project is expected to be multi-student, multi-level, with students joining and leaving as they progress through the sequence. A full-time faculty member or an industry representative or adjunct professor will provide the necessary continuity. Examples of possible projects include a windmill or stationary solar panel on campus, a multi-fuel engine, an electric vehicle, or a geothermal system with local industry. Students are expected to contribute hands-on work, literature research, and written documentation.

ENE 3150 Energy Storage in Fuel Cells and Batteries

Prerequisites: CH 1000, EE 2050

An introduction to electrochemistry of various primary and secondary electrochemical cells and the chemistry of various fuel cell types. Identification of electrical behavior, environmental impact, and total life cost of each.

ENE 3140 Wind and Solar Power for the Electrical Grid

Prerequisites: ME 2050, EE 2050

An introduction to the operation of the electrical power grid with the dominant generator types in operation. Identification of energy storage and power electronics apparatus required to connect other types of power sources to the grid. Case studies of existing wind and solar power installations feeding the grid, with an explanation of the operational advantages and concerns of each.

ENE 4973, ENE 4974 Senior Thesis I and II

Prerequisites: Senior standing, ACC 2140, BA 2020, EGR 2000, EE 2050, ME 2050, SS 2200 (concurrent permitted)

Capstone courses integrating engineering, economic, societal, and environmental issues. In ENE 4973, a suitable subject is proposed and the issues to be examined are identified. This effort results in detailed proposal. In ENE 4974, information is gathered and calculations performed to complete the examination of the subject. This effort results in final thesis. While some parts of a thesis might be supported by laboratory work or Energy Engineering Project work, the intent is that a thesis should focus on the national/global energy implications of a particular technical choice.

For example, a project that demonstrated the use of a new low-loss magnetic core material in a computer power supply might be a good EE Senior Project, but would not be acceptable for an ENE thesis. An ENE thesis that examined the power savings if such a core material were used nationwide, balanced against start-up, energy, and raw material costs for fabricating the new cores, and any environmental impact of disposal, would be acceptable. Cross-program project/thesis activities are encouraged.


Energy Engineering, B.S. Curriculum*

Semester I

MA 1035 College Algebra 3

CH 1000 Fundamentals of Chemistry 3

EGR 1710 Graphics and Design 3

PSY 1700 Introduction to Psychology 3

ENG 1250 English Composition I 3

total 15

Semester II

MA 1060 Trigonometry 3

PH 1100 Fundamentals of Physics I 3

CS 1250 Problem Solving for Programmers 3

BA 2010 Principles of Management 3

ENG 1270 English Composition II 3

total 15

Semester III

EE 2050 Overview of Electricity and Electronics 3

MA 1100 Applied Calculus I 3

PH 2100 Fundamentals of Physics II 3

IME 2010 Safety Engineering 3

EM 2030 Statics and Dynamics 3

total 15

Semester IV

EGR 2000 Engineering Communication 3

MA 1110 Applied Calculus II 3

IME 2110 Quality Control I 3

ENE 2100 Introduction to Energy Engineering Project 1

BA 2500 Marketing 3

ME 2050 Overview of Machines & Fluids 3

total 16

Semester V

MA 3430 Probability and Statistics 3

EGR 2650 Manufacturing Processes 3

ENE 3010 Energy Engineering Project 3

ENE 3140 Wind and Solar Power for Electrical Grid 3

ACC 1010 Accounting Principles 3

total 15

Semester VI

ENE 3150 Energy Storage in Fuel Cells and Batteries 3

IME 3120 Design of Experiments 3

ENE 3020 Energy Engineering Project 3

HUM 2000 Introduction of Humanities 3

ACC 2140 Managerial Accounting 3

total 15

Semester VII

EGR 4400 Professional Practice I 3

IME 4010 Tech Computer Graphics 3

ENE 4973 Senior Thesis 3

SS 2200 Macroeconomics 3

Humanities Elective 3

total 15

Semester VIII

BA 2020 Operations Management 3

ENE 4974 Senior Thesis 3

SS2720 or SS 2800 3

Humanities Elective 3

Approved Elective 3

total 15

Total credits required 121

*curriculum is still under development, some classes may change