Laura asks…
What roles do chemical engineers play in the research and development of alternative energy?
I know that chem E’s work on fuel cell development. I wondered what else is availble in alt energy research, and what classes should a chem E take to be prepared for the alternative energy field?
The Expert answers:
Yes, they work on fuel cell development. And not just hydrogen fuel cells, but the trickier ones being developed for other fuels. So classes in electrochemistry are an obivous choice.
Other projects that they would be critical in include:
Alternative fuels: ethanol – take classes in fermentation (“Curds & Whey 101”);
hydrogen -the shift-gas reaction will be covered in your normal curriculum;
biodiesel – separations, reactor design
Solar (hot water/steam): heat transfer (listen during radiant topics, most ChemEngs don’t use it much), mass transfer, piping systems, control systems.
Passive solar: heat transfer, natural convection topics in fluid flow. HVAC/building design (archy classes).
Wind is more of a MechEng or AeroEng thing to do. But you could take some of those classes as technical electives. Tidal and Hydro are usually done by Mechs and Civils.
Since efficient reactions of future will be biologically mediated, IMO, try to find the most engineering/production oriented microbiology classes you can. The most sophisticated are those to make drugs, but, heck, wine-making addresses many of the issues.
As a Chem Eng, you will bring a more thorough understanding of fluid flow, mass transfer, chemical reactions, process controls, and how those all inter-relate, to any project team. Take classes in (or read up on) any of the above topics to know what to listen for in lecture, what class projects to research, etc. I found that knowing I was going to be doing environmental eng very helpful in my coursework. I knew how incredibly useful many classes would be and how absolutely pointless P-chem is (for a practicing engineer).
It sounds like you have a plan or at least a vision. That can be such an advantage and motivation in your classes. Try to meet with practicing engineers in alt energy – for lunch or at a career day or a company tour. Ask them for their thoughts. Good luck.
Michael asks…
Could anyone give me any examples of Alternative Energy Resources?
I need any examples of alternative energy. No matter how unusual, unheard of or anything. If it is something you have like that, please specify. Thanks.
The Expert answers:
I just did a speech about a possible alternative energy that can be coming soon. Bacteria. They can be engineered to take in our wastes and turn it into energy or even fuels like octane.
They are easy and cheap as well since you can just grow them, and are able to repair themselves if damaged. So they will make good batteries when we can harness them.
Linda asks…
What are the main (issues surrounding / benefits of) alternative energy?
I’m writing a paper on alternative energy, and I’m going to talk about how it is a cure for many of the world’s problems. I’m going to mention:
– energy independence
– global warming
– global/national economy
I need one or two more ideas because it has to be a long paper. Basically, I need more things that would be improved if a stronger initiative were taken towards alternative energy expansion.
The Expert answers:
-National Security.
Wars arise from fighting over this limited resource
-Clean energy if it’s from solar, wind, geothermal, or wave/tidal powered.
Fossil fuels not only puts tons of CO2 in the air, but also particulate matter. You can also branch another benefit off this and say that this will improve the health of society by replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy.
James asks…
will majoring in biomedical engineering still allow me to work on alternative energy technologies?
I am a freshman undergraduate majoring in biomedical engineering. I’d like to know if i can stay in this major and still work on alternative energy technologies. I’m doing BME because i want to help people but i’d also like to be involved in green technology. I’m actually thinking of switching majors to either electrical or mechanical engineering. but i’d like some opinions from people to better help with my decision. Please leave me some good feedback and no wise remarks. thank you.
The Expert answers:
It’s generally a mistake to take Biomedical Engineering at the undergrad level. There aren’t enough jobs at the Bachelor’s level, and many Biomed Engng grads have to take jobs for which they are not optimally suited.
Better you take good basic Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or Engineering Physics) in undergrad, then do the Green/BioMed stuff in grad school.
Susan asks…
How does alternative energy lead to lower oil prices?
Alternative energy is energy…like electricity.
Oil isn’t used for electricity – or is it? I can’t think straight right now, I’m so confused.
So if we have more alternative energy, why does that reduce our dependance on oil?
Thanks
…You didn’t answer the question. Why is there less demand for oil (thus, creating lower oil prices) if there is more alternative energy?
Please help!
…You didn’t answer the question. Why is there less demand for oil (thus, creating lower oil prices) if there is more alternative energy?
Please help!
The Expert answers:
Oil is one of our 3 or 4 primary sources of energy.. Oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear (there are others sources of energy such as wind, water, wave, hydroelectric (dams) etc but these 4 are our primary sources.)
Alternate energy lessens demand for the 4 primary sources depending upon what use of energy you are replacing..
So alternate fuels, such as bio-diesel and ethanol based fuels, lessen the demand for oil for transportation. Electric cars will lessen the demand for oil but increase the demand for electricity.. So there may be more demand for electrical generation and power plants (i.e. Coal or nuclear).
Oil prices are highly dependent on demand.. A relatively small drop in oil demand can cause a a big drop in oil prices.. This is exactly what happened in the last year when the oil prices plunged from $150bbl to $40bbl now.. I think that oil demand dropped by roughly only 5% but the price dropped by over 60%…
BTW Oil and even natural gas are used at times, and in some places, for electricity generation but both are much more expensive than coal..or nuclear power… Therefore, oil and natural gas generators are mostly used to “top off” electricity generation in peak demand situations rather than a “base load” — or everyday common use. This is because oil and natural gas generators are easy to turn off while coal and nuclear power plans are hard to turn on and off..
Oil and natural gas are also widely used for home heating and other non-transportation uses so better insulated homes and higher winter temperatures will also affect demand.
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