EVSS 650 Homework Assignments
(Spring 2013)
Assigned Reading:
- (by 16 Jan) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 1
- (by 4 Feb) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapters 2 and 3
- (by 11 Feb) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 4
- (by 13 Feb) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 5
- (by 18 Feb) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 10
- (by 20 Feb) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 11
- (by 18 Mar) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 7
- (by 25 Mar) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapters 8 and 9
- (by 1 Apr) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapters 13 & 14
- (optional; will be discussed on 10 Apr) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 16
- (by 15 Apr) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 12
- (by 17 Apr) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 18
- (by 22 Apr) Hinrichs & Kleinbach: Chapter 17
Homework Problems:
- (REVISED due date: 28 January; due 23 January) Mathematics of Growth If you are having trouble
getting started, here are some hints.
- (due 11 Feb) Power, Work, and Mechanical Energy
- (due 25 Feb) Thermal Energy
- (due 25 Mar) Electric Power Restructuring
- (due 1 Apr) Greenhouse Effect
Download the template spreadsheet here
Laboratory and Independent Exercises:
- (6 Feb in class; due 11 Feb)Mechanical Energy Lab
In-Class Activities:
- Introductory Survey
- Discussion of Bartlett video
Critical Review Papers:
2 short "critical review" papers based on articles or stories
from the news media (for example, from the local newspaper or from a
weekly news magazine). One paper should be about an energy source,
production, or distribution mechanism, and the other should be
about energy policy. These critical review papers should be about 2
pages (typed) and should describe the story (where was it published,
when, in what context, and who wrote it), summarize their arguments,
and then evaluate the story's accuracy, context, and significance. I'm
expecting some original thought in your critical reviews. Keep your
eyes open for something interesting. It would be a good idea to get my
feedback on the first paper before you complete the other one.
Critical Review #1 DUE: 20 March 2013
Critical Review #2 DUE: 17 April 2013
Class Presentation:
Free-form "mini-lectures, so anything is fair game. The guidelines
below might help you keep the monster under control, however.
Plan for 30 minute presentation. Be prepared for questions
about the source/technology in general. You and I will share the
burden of answering questions.
Give a brief description of how your energy source works. Talk
about the historical development (if any), the geographic distribution
of the resources, and how widespread it is currently being exploited.
Try to estimate (or find estimates) of how much energy could
be available under reasonable scenarios. What limits the amount of
energy that could be available?
Discuss and example of a working power plant. Summarize status
of this technology or the status of research and development needed
to bring this technology into more widespread use.
I have materials that can help you get started. Feel free to
discuss things with me as you prepare your presentation.
Prepare a handout to distribute to the class (and/or post on
the web site). I'm sure we'd all appreciate references to particularly
websites or other materials. I can do the photocopying for you if you want.
Renewable Energy and Energy Alternatives