Sustainable Energy Principles and Practice in India
Winter Break Off-Campus Study Program 2016-17
Puducherry Evening Promenade (A. Pattanayak)
OVERVIEW
Understand the future of energy for the world. During the fall, we will get an understanding of the basic scientific principles as well as some of the social issues. We will design a solar installation (possibly a wind turbine as well) for a location in Auroville, near Chennai on the southeast coast of India. During winter break we will travel to Auroville for hands-on work, refining our design and then installing the sustainable energy system. We will learn how the local and geographical context matters, as well as the differences between the energy challenges for industrialized and developing countries.
FACULTY DIRECTOR: Arjendu Pattanayak, Professor of Physics
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Design and install a solar array in India
• Learn about the future of sustainable energy
• Understand the differences between energy issues for the future of industrialized and developing economies
• Understand the complexities of the sustainable energy problem, ranging from scientific and engineering challenges to social context and economic policy issues
• Get a taste of the culture of one small corner of India (Auroville is near a former French colonial part of India)
PREREQUISITES:
Any introductory Physics class, and/or permission of the instructor.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Fall Term: PHYS 210. Sustainable Energy Principles and Design
(6 credits) Prerequisites: Any six credits of Physics classes [other than PHYS 100] and/or permission of the instructor. Introduction to the basic physics, thermodynamics, and engineering of energy sources and sinks. Overview of relevant sustainable energy practices and design principles, as well consideration of broader impacts and policy implications. The course will consider the world energy landscape with particular local and global foci. Includes a significant group academic civic engagement project that focuses on renewable energy design. Design projects vary, but include aspects of energy auditing, regulatory evaluation, performance analysis, and system design and operation of solar PV, wind turbines, or other renewable energy technologies. Extra meetings required.
Winter Term: PHYS 211. Sustainable Energy Practice and Prospects
(6 credits)
This course is the 2nd part of a 2-term course sequence beginning with PHYS 210. We start with a 2-week field trip to Auroville [on the southeast coast of India near Chennai] in December. Week 1 includes an introduction to local issues and meetings with local experts, site visits to installed systems, refining system designs submitted in fall term, and other preparation. Week 2 the sustainable energy system will be installed. On campus during winter term, we will meet once a week. Students will complete reports documenting the project and their learning experience for Auroville, and one of (i) case-studies and proposals for installation for future students and other locations,(ii) business plans/project design/application for junior fellowships, or (iii) educational materials for various possible audiences. There will be public presentations.
COSTS AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Students are responsible for their airfare to and from India, visa, some meals, and personal expenses. All instructional costs, housing, and transportation during the program are covered. The field trip will take place during the first two weeks of December; exact dates will be announced later.
INFORMATION MEETINGS
There will be two information meeting about the program:
Fall: Monday, October 26, 2015, 7-8, Olin 002
Winter: TBA. Watch the OCS Events Calendar for updates.
APPLICATIONS
Click on Search and Apply to Programs on the OCS website (http://go.carleton.edu/ocs) to start your application. Completed applications are due on or before midnight on Monday, April 11, 2016. For more information, contact Professor Arjendu Pattanayak at apattana@carleton.edu or Director of Off-Campus Studies Helena Kaufman at hkaufman@carleton.edu.