Like all of Indiana Tech’s engineering programs, energy engineering is academically rigorous and intensely practical. You will apply what you learn from classroom lectures to real world situations. The coursework is intense, but it needs to be because energy engineering is a career field that affects everyone in the world. That’s why our class sizes are kept small so that our experienced faculty can help you succeed. When you graduate, we want you to enter the working world ready and able to make a difference.
The focus of this program is to teach you the fundamental science and math relevant to energy production, distribution, and end use. You will learn to apply engineering concepts, calculations, and computer models to solve problems and analyze designs in these areas.
In this program, you’ll take part in sophisticated projects that span several semesters. These projects will teach you to put your classroom knowledge to practical use and prepare you to deal with the issues real-world engineering teams encounter—resource allocation, meeting milestones, and the
technical hurdles common to engineering challenges.
You’ll also be taught the fundamentals of business and accounting—essential knowledge for engineers who often need to balance business and technical issues in order to complete a project and bring it to market.
Career Opportunities
Energy engineers have skills that will be useful in many different career fields, including:
- electric, gas and utility industries
- alternative energy industries
- product design and development teams in the transportation industriesautomotive, aerospace, railways, mass-transportation, nautical, etc.
- energy saving activities in industrial, commercial, and government enterprises
- agencies and commissions involved in distributing and regulating existing energy sources, or promoting alternative energy sources
Energy Engineering Coursework
Overview of Machines and Fluids
Prerequisites: MA 1100, PH 2100, EM 2030
An overview of mechanical engineering topics, exposing students to mechanical power transmission, HVAC systems, and internal combustion engines.
Overview of Electricity and Electronics
Prerequisites: MA 1100 and PH 2100 (concurrent permitted)
An introductory course in electrical science for engineering students other than electrical engineering majors. The course extends the student’s knowledge of electrical components and circuits, studied in physics, to include dynamic circuits in the steady state. Transducer systems, electrical instruments, and electromechanical devices are introduced. Emphasis is placed on energy conversions, DC and single-phase AC motors, and three-phase power systems. Also, the Thevenin equivalent circuit of sources such as batteries is introduced.
Energy Engineering Project Sequence
Prerequisite to start: IME 2010, EGR 1710, EGR 2000 (concurrent permitted)
A project-based sequence in which the student becomes involved in an “alternative”
energy project. The project is expected to be multi-student, multi-level, with students joining and leaving as they progress through the sequence. A full-time faculty member or an industry representative or adjunct professor will provide the necessary continuity. Examples of possible projects include a windmill or stationary solar panel on campus,
a multi-fuel engine, an electric vehicle, or a geothermal system with local industry.
Students are expected to contribute hands-on work, literature research, and written documentation.
Energy Storage in Fuel Cells and Batteries
Prerequisites: CH 1000, EE 2050
An introduction to electrochemistry of various primary and secondary electrochemical cells and the chemistry of various fuel cell types. Identification of electrical behavior, environmental impact, and total life cost of each.
Wind and Solar Power for the Electrical Grid
Prerequisites: ME 2050, EE 2050
An introduction to the operation of the electrical power grid with the dominant generator types in operation. Identification of energy storage and power electronics apparatus required to connect other types of power sources to the grid. Case studies of existing wind and solar power installations feeding the grid, with an explanation of the operational advantages and concerns of each.
