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Session 3150 Integrating the Courses in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technologies to Fulfill the Need of Energy Professionals

Athula Kulatunga, Ph.D., CEM Department of Electrical Engineering Technology Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Abstract

There is an increased demand for graduates who understand how energy is created, used, controlled, and wasted in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Students in Electrical Engineering Technology learn electrical power generation, distribution, and control while students from Mechanical Engineering Technology learn how other forms of energy are generated, distributed, and controlled. Both groups learn engineering economics principles. The missing component is to bring these three fields together while integrating other developing technologies to solve the challenges in the field of energy management.

This paper discusses how the engineering technology programs can contribute in this endeavor. The topics include 1) what skills are required by today’s energy professionals, 2) what subordinate skills are needed, 3) how energy audits can be used as cost effective hands-on experiences, 4) a list of equipment for energy audits, and 5) potential of applied research and outreach opportunities.

Introduction

The National Energy Policy Development Group, headed by Vice President Dick Cheney, submitted its final report to President George W. Bush. The group made very specific recommendations to address the energy challenges of the nation. Some of the highlights include expansion of federally funded programs to improve energy efficiency of residential users, expansion of research funding for energy efficient improvements, strengthening of public education programs relating to energy efficiency, expansion of the appliance standards program of the Department of Energy (DOE), increased fuel economy standards for automotive industry, continued commitment by the administration to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) fuel- cell-powered transit bus program, and incentives to residential solar energy integration. 1 These ideas, programs, and initiatives are not new. However, this time they come as a part of the National Energy Policy so that needed funds will be allocated at the highest level. Coupled with the need created by deregulation of the utility industry, these initiatives increase the need for professionals with an energy background.

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has been trying to fulfill this need via professional seminars and workshops. The task is so vast that there is a room for every level of the education system when it comes to preparing energy professionals. Traditional Electrical Engineering Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Kulatunga, A. (2002, June), Integrating The Courses In Electrical And Mechanical Engineering Technologies To Fulfill The Need Of Energy Professionals Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10172