Sustainable Energy Technologies: An International Perspective
Sustainable Energy Technologies: An International Perspective
Sustainable energy concepts are taught while integrating cultural experience via group interaction, field trips, German History lessons, and interaction with others involved in sustainable energy technologies in the communities and industry in Germany. The lectures and field trips include technical substance while teaching practical application in the field. This supports learning in an international environment. The learning goals are: • Students are expected to learn more about sustainable energy. • Students learn about the environment that these technologies are used. • Students are expected to develop an appreciation for different cultures and their impact on the use and development of sustainable technologies. The learning experience in Germany is unique in that the federal government supports the development and utilization of sustainable energy technologies in lieu of power generation methods that are either nuclear or fossil fuel based. It is the only country that has this kind of program.
This two-week, interdisciplinary program includes lectures and demonstrations on various energy technologies; presentations on European and German history, geography, and culture; industrial tours; and sightseeing excursions to Berlin and Bremen. Our hosts are faculty at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfenbüttel, Germany (near Braunschweig). This course should be of interest to students in various majors, especially engineering and technology. Students from universities in Europe and Asia will also participate.
During the 2-weeks you will learn about Germany's history and culture, about the economy and the social background of this interesting country
- by attending lectures,
- visiting companies and enjoying places of interest including all-day excursions to German cities (e.g Hamburg and Bremen)
- by meeting and working with German and international students
- companies in Wolfenbüttel and the region – and a visit to a 1,000 year old mine that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In addition, you attend in-depth courses on Sustainable Energy Technologies (in English)
The first-week courses introduce the basics of Sustainable Energy Resources: Wind energy, photovoltaics, solar thermal, geothermics and hydropower.
The second-week program offers several special examples and applications of the energy sources like fuel cells, modern battery technology and heat pumps. Also covered is the hot topic of energy consumption in electrically driven vehicles with the introduction of Energy Efficiency of Electrical Drives. Last but not least the question of the energy efficiency as a means of reducing carbon emissions is also explored.
An additional course gives you a basic insight into regional and German history, geography and culture.
Click here to enroll in this program
Contact program leader William Hutzel via email with your questions.