Clean Energy Senior Capstone
CEP 490 is the culminating experience for students pursuing studies in clean energy. This upper-division undergraduate course challenges students to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained throughout their curriculum to design a detailed, grid-connected renewable energy project incorporating energy storage. The focus is on developing a professional-grade documentation package that includes technical specifications, site analysis, system sizing, economic feasibility studies, regulatory considerations, and environmental impact assessments. Students will work through an iterative design process, utilizing industry-standard methodologies to optimize system performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of multiple disciplines essential for successful clean energy project development, preparing graduates for impactful careers in the field.
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Project Scoping and Stakeholder Analysis for Grid-Connected Systems","Week 2: Lesson 2: Advanced Site Assessment and Resource Characterization","Week 3: Lesson 3: Grid Interconnection Requirements and Utility Standards","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: System Performance Modeling and Simulation","Week 5: Lesson 5: Renewable Energy Technology Selection and Optimization","Week 6: Lesson 6: Energy Storage Integration and Sizing Strategies","Week 7: Lesson 7: Economic Feasibility, Financial Modeling, and Funding Mechanisms","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Documentation","Week 9: Lesson 9: Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation Strategies","Week 10: Lesson 10: Operations, Maintenance, and Asset Management Planning","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Technical Specification Development and Procurement Planning","Week 12: Lesson 12: Professional Presentation and Communication Skills","Week 13: Lesson 13: Final Project Documentation and Quality Assurance","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Renewable Energy System Design"]