Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30 Curriculum Guide Main Menu

Module 21: Alternate Energy Sources - Transportation (Optional)

Suggested time: 10-15 hours

Level: Introductory

Prerequisite: None

Module Overview
Students will explore alternatives to gasoline or diesel for fuelling internal combustion engines, as well as looking at some alternative power sources. This module is assigned no prerequisites to facilitate its use in survey courses. However, it should be preceded by Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 in a pure course.

Foundational Objectives

To foster an attitude of environmental responsibility.
To demonstrate knowledge of the methods of commercial energy production and distribution, with emphasis on those used in Saskatchewan.
To examine and assess the impact of, conventional and alternative energy production and energy conservation technologies in Saskatchewan.
To demonstrate knowledge of alternative energy resources that are, or could be, used in Saskatchewan.
To assess the need for and economic impact of, alternative energy resources in Saskatchewan.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To use appropriate terminology in describing fuel technologies. (COM)
To demonstrate an ability to research information by using Internet sources and print material. (TL)

Learning Objectives	Notes
21.1 To explain the basic principles underlying fuel cell technology.	Students will have been introduced to fuel cell applications in L.O. 20.8. Fuel cells use various fuels to generate electricity through non-combustible chemical reactions. They are basic to the commercial exploitation of a number of alternative fuels in the transportation industry.
21.2 To explore the potential uses and advantages and disadvantages, of hydrogen as a fuel.	Students should be familiar with the basic chemistry that underlies common methods of commercial hydrogen generation, including electrolysis of water and reaction of water with active metals and hydrocarbons. Laboratory demonstrations of some of these (under supervision) might be arranged with the chemistry teacher.
21.3 To explore the potential uses and advantages and disadvantages, of biogas as a fuel.	Production of methane by anaerobic decomposition of livestock waste and the subsequent use of the gas as a heat source, is probably the most familiar biogas application and has been considered in Module 19. Nevertheless, other potential biogas sources (e.g., municipal dumps) and applications can readily be discovered through Web searches.
21.4 To explore the potential uses, advantages and disadvantages and potential economic impact, of biodiesel as a fuel or fuel component.	In particular, production of biodiesel from Saskatchewan oilseed crops, as well as from some animal byproducts, could be examined.
21.5 To explore the potential uses, advantages and disadvantages and potential economic impact, of ethanol as a fuel or fuel component.	Fuel ethanol, also known as "gasohol" when mixed with gasoline, is made primarily from grains or other renewable agricultural and agro-forestry feedstocks. The Poundmaker Ethanol Plant in Lanigan is Saskatchewan’s first working plant to produce ethanol for fuel. There have been other ethanol operations, but the product use was not compatible with transportation. Have students research the Saskatchewan legislation on the introduction of ethanol fuel. Students could debate the legislation.
21.6 To investigate methods by which gasoline engines can be converted to use propane or natural gas as fuel sources and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.	If possible, students should examine a propane-fuelled vehicle, preferably under the supervision of a licensed mechanic and assess its pros and cons.
21.7 To investigate the technology and the advantages and disadvantages, of electric-powered and gas-electric hybrid automobiles.	Electric automobiles have been around for over a century, so information is abundant.