Graduate Studies
Masters of Engineering in Chemical Engineering: Energy Economics and Engineering Concentration
The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offered a new M. Eng. (ChE) concentration in Energy Economics and Engineering in Fall 2006 designed for students intending to pursue a career in the design, construction and operation of new and existing energy systems. Our unique focus was to consider a systems approach with an emphasis on understanding the complex economics of evaluating the relative merits of different energy options and then to use this knowledge to solve real engineering problems. There is, to our knowledge, no equivalent program in the U.S., though several exist in Europe.
This program will appeal to a broad range of engineers and physical scientists. Among engineers, those with BS degrees in bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, and material science and engineering have appropriate backgrounds. Physical scientists, particularly chemists and physicists, are also encouraged to apply.
Acceptance in the program is competitive and, at present, we graduate about a dozen students with a concentration in energy economics and engineering. A small number of Peter Harriott fellowships exist to provide partial tuition for M.Eng. students in this concentration.
The core of the program centers around two courses: CHEME 664 (Fall) and CHEME 665 (Spring). CHEME 664 examines supply and demand for energy in selected countries and then reviews the operating systems and costs of a range of energy supply methods, including coal, oil, nuclear, hydro, wind and solar. Students will simulate the factors in future energy supply and demand and examine the interplay between energy, environment, politics, economics and sustainability.
CHEME 665 applies thermodynamic concepts to energy systems, shows how to analyze their efficiency and how to tackle large systems. Students will do energy audits of several energy-rich environments. Different future energy scenarios will be developed and project teams will be tasked with simulating complex energy systems and carrying out cost-benefit analyses.
Graduates of this concentration are also expected to gain knowledge of existing and renewable energy sources, environmental impact, and business implications. Click here for more information about the curriculum in this concentration.
Instructor: For a full description of the program contact Andrew Hunter at 362 Olin Hall (ah363@cornell.edu).
Growth in world population and increasing standards of living are leading to dramatically increased demands for energy. By 2050, we face a three-fold increase in primary energy demand, which must be provided with no 'greenhouse gas' emissions in order to stabilize at twice the emission levels existing at the beginning of the 20th century. The world needs new methods of generating and converting energy with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, new energy sources, and new ways of distributing and storing energy. The technological challenges are daunting, but the opportunity to participate in the solution of the world's largest and most persistent problem presents unprecedented opportunities and rewards. Chemical engineers are well placed to contribute their understanding of the thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and chemical kinetics of renewable and existing energy systems and to consider a systems-wide perspective.
Department: Faculty and students are active in many aspects of energy research and instruction, related to renewable or existing energy supplies. For instance, Professor Jeff Tester is a world-class expert on geothermal energy. Professor Tobias Hanrath creates solar cells in collaboration with Professors Jim Engstrom and Paulette Clancy. Professors Matt DeLisa and Jeff Varner look at microbial routes to commodity chemicals. Professor Paul Steen’s novel spin-casting methods for metals like Al dramatically reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas production. Professor Brad Anton take a mathematical approach to the consideration of biomass energy production. For a full list of CBE faculty engaged in energy-related research, click here, and look on the College’s web page on energy-related research.
College: At Cornell, we have initiatives relevant to an understanding of energy systems, whether renewable or existing. In the College of Engineering we have a new Energy Institute, led by the inaugural David Croll Chair of Sustainable Energy Systems, Professor Jefferson Tester. The College of Engineering’s energy website provides more details for those interested to learn more about energy and sustainability research and related courses at Cornell.
University: Serving the broader Cornell community, the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future fosters interdisciplinary research in three focal areas: Energy, Economic Development, and the Environment.