CM-ENG3979

Alternative Energy Technology

Fuel Cells and Biofuels

Fall 2016

Course No. 84594 and 84595

Course Objectives:
Objective 1:

Objective 2:

Objective 3:

To teach students the basic energy and material balances and a few
electrochemistry fundamentals necessary to begin work or research in fuel
cell, hydrogen, and related technologies.
To introduce students to the biochemical and chemical process
technologies for conventional and advanced transportation biofuels and
the biomass feedstocks from which they are derived.
To provide an understanding of the economic and environmental impacts
of transportation biofuels and other transportation alternatives.

Instructors:
Michael E. Mullins; Professor
Chemical Engineering Department
Phone: 487-3468 (Office)
Email: memullin@mtu.edu
Office hours: Tue., Wed., 4 5:30 pm, (room 202I, Chem-Sci Building)
David R. Shonnard; Professor and Robbins Chair
Chemical Engineering Department
Phone: 487-3468 (Office)
Email: drshonna@mtu.edu
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, 4-5:30 pm, (room 202L, Chem-Sci Building)
Time:

Friday 2:05 2:55 pm

Location:

Room 101, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Bldg.

Description:
This course covers a range of alternative energy technologies with an emphasis on fuel cells
and also on chemical and biochemical processing of biomass for production of transportation
biofuels. Conversion technologies covered will include both conventional and advanced
biofuels.
Readings:
No required textbook.
Weekly assigned readings on topics from course outline. Do the readings assigned for the
day BEFORE coming to class.
Your Grade:
Grade is based on assigned problems, writing assignments, exams, and a term project.
Distribution of grade:
1. Homework assignments (40%),
2. 2 quizes (30% each for a total of 60%),
1

Quizes:
Two quizes will be taken during the semester. The first exam, taken in class, will test on
basic concepts and applications of conventional and advanced biofuels, including biomass
feedstocks. The second quiz will test basic concepts of fuel cells and their applications.
Academic Integrity Statement
All students must comply with university policy on academic integrity as found in the student
handbook. If you have a question about permissible use of materials, collaboration with
students, etc. please ask. This is a complex topic due to new technologies and the
widespread use of teamwork. we are happy to discuss it.

Course Outline
Week
Biofuels
1

Date Topic

Assignment
TBA

Sept. Introduction to Biofuel Conversion Processes and

2
Biomass Feedstocks and USA Renewable Fuel Policy
Reading posted. Also read about tax policy at
http://ethanolrfa.org/issues/tax/

Sept.
K-day (no class!)
9

TBA

Sept.
Biomass Feedstocks (US National Assessment)
16

TBA

Sept.
Biofuels Conversion 1 (Biochemcial Pathways)
23

TBA

Sept.
Biofuels Conversion 2 (Thermochemical Pathways)
30

TBA

Oct.
7

Environmental Impacts of Biofuels and Sustainability

TBA

Oct.
14

Quiz 1

N/A

Fuel Cells and

the H2
Economy
8

Oct.
21

Introduction to Fuel Cells (part 1)

TBA

Oct.
28

10

Nov.
Fuel Cell Efficiency
4

Introduction to Fuel Cells (part 2)

TBA

11

Losses in Fuel Cells, Fuel Cell Mass Balances, Humidity

Nov.
and Water Management, Thermal Management of Fuel
11
Cells,

TBA

12

Nov.
AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA
18

N/A

13

Losses in Fuel Cells, Fuel Cell Mass Balances, Humidity

Dec.
and Water Management, Thermal Management of Fuel
2
Cells,

TBA

14

Dec.
Effect of Pressure and Gas Concentration
9

N/A

Finals

Dec.
Quiz 2
?