Florida Tech's Renewable Energy Efforts

Several renewable energy efforts are being pursued at Florida Tech, Melbourne, Florida.

  Renewable Energy Course

 Mr. Frank Leslie, Adjunct Professor, teaches the broad introduction to Renewable Energy, ENS4300, and Principles of Renewable Energy for DMES (Department of Marine and Environmental Systems).

  Alternative Fuels

 Dr. John Thomas researches ethanol and methanol powered vehicles and is a member of the Hydrogen Center.

  Biomass Energy

 Dr. Whitlow, Chem. Engr'g,  is assessing a biomass-to-hydrogen process using Aspen Plus simulation.

  Ocean Energy

 Selected elements of ocean energy are taught by Dr. George Maul, Dr. Steven Wood, and Dr. Geoffrey Swain.

  Solar Energy

 Drs. Sharaf-Eldeen and Mitra obtained a grant for the PV system on the Olin Engineering roof for a school enhancement program. Dr. Sharaf-Eldeen teaches in the Mechanical Engineering Dept. Dr. Kunal Mitra teaches in the Mechanical Engineering Dept.

  Wind Resources and Energy

 Dr.  Stephen Lazarus and Mr. Splitt teach meteorology courses for DMES that include the wind resource. Dr. Lazarus and Mr. Leslie investigated "Evaluation of Solar and Wind  Energy Associated with the Florida Sea Breeze" 7/1/2002-6/30/2003.

  Other Specialized Areas:

      Fuel Cells

Dr. Paul Jennings is investigating a fuel cell demonstration apparatus.

      Efficiency

Dr. Geoff Swain investigates slick hull coatings that reduce ship oil usage.

      Hydrogen

Dr. Mary Helen McCay is Principal Investigator on the 2005, $900,000 hydrogen fuel research study.

"U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon and the Florida Institute of Technology announced today at a joint news conference the creation of the Florida Tech Hydrogen Research Center. This center, made possible by a $900,000 NASA grant, will focus on making hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology practical for ground and air transportation." The Florida Tech Hydrogen Research Center will study hydrogen production, safety, and performance.

Dr. Manolis Tomadakis is researching hydrogen fuel production. Dr. Whitlow, Civil Engineering, is researching biomass to hydrogen processes.

          Natural Gas

Dr. Howell Heck, Civil Engineering Dept. and Dr. Manolis Tomadakis, Chemical Engineering Dept., are researching methane energy from landfills.

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RenewableEnergy/Education/FTEfforts.htm updated 090414