ECE 51010 - Clean Energy Design & Industry

Credit Hours: 3.00. This course introduces students to modern clean-energy technologies and their industrial applications through immersive study-away experiences and design projects. Students visit operational power and renewable-energy facilities including solar/wind farms, inverter manufacturing sites, and thermal-generation stations to gain firsthand exposure to energy-generation technologies, system integration, and decarbonization strategies. On campus, students use HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software to model and optimize hybrid systems combining PV, wind, battery, and backup generation. Through guided design sessions, students develop and compare renewable-energy solutions tailored to regional case studies, bridging theory with real-world engineering practice.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the operation, components, and challenges of modern clean-energy facilities through direct industry engagement.
2. Design and model hybrid renewable-energy systems (PV, wind, storage) using HOMER software.
3. Evaluate technical, economic, and environmental trade-offs among multiple clean-energy configurations.
4. Integrate real-world data from site visits into design optimization and feasibility assessments.
5. Collaborate effectively in small teams and communicate engineering results through professional reports and presentations.

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