Developing a Renewable Energy Technology Course for a Master of Technology (MTECH) Program,

A course on renewable energy has become more of a requirement in MS programs. This is the result of continuously shrinking global energy resources. The importance of creating a course that will provide the knowledge of how to efficiently manage the world\u27s dwindling finite energy resources cannot be overemphasized. As the world is confronted with an unprecedented energy crisis, there is the need for industry drivers to have a fundamental knowledge of energy systems operation/management. The Master of Technology (MTECH) program at Purdue University, Fort Wayne regional campus is designed to meet the technological manpower needs of the industry within the Northeast Indiana region and beyond. The program has two tracks - Industrial Engineering Technology and Information Technology. Students are encouraged to take an elective in renewable energy technology. This is to sharpen their knowledge/awareness on energy related issues since most students are in mid-career managerial positions in their organizations. Energy is a prime mover of every business and would be more efficiently and profitably utilized when policy makers have adequate knowledge of the basics. In most cases, the profit margin of an organization depends largely on how much is being spent on energy. With the knowledge acquired from the course, students have the knowledge to determine types of feasible, available renewable energy sources that could be harnessed to supplement the conventional energy usage of their company. The renewable energy technology course was designed for students with engineering technology and non-engineering technology backgrounds. The course was first taught in the Spring Semester of 2011. It offers traditional and non- Traditional methods of pedagogy. To add practical flavor to the course, an excursion to a local renewable energy company is usually made. In 2011, the class visited Water Furnace Incorporation, a geothermal based space heating / cooling company. This paper presents a detailed description of the various topics covered in the course, nature of projects given to students as well student evaluation of the course