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Path to Zero Net Energy

Course Description: Path to Zero Net Energy is a multidisciplinary course where students will conduct feasibility studies on energy and climate projects for UC Davis and other clients. This course educates and engages students in issues of energy use, demand, energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate neutrality as well as associated technical, economic, social and political challenges. Projects will fall under three main categories:

  • Improve the energy efficiency and identify operational shortcomings of a facility
  • Assess the feasibility of a renewable energy projects/policies
  • Conduct impact analyses of electrified technologies

Applied learning through ZNE includes but is not limited to solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, biopower, and electric vehicles. Students will gain exposure to and work with students from different disciplines (Engineering, Economics, Design, Ecology, Business, etc.) offered by PIET in West Village, in partnership with the UC Davis Energy Conservation Office.

Check out past student projects here!

See the ZNE flyer here!

Course Info

Quarter: Spring
Units: 4, Letter Graded
Meeting times: 2:10 – 4:00 PM Tues/Thurs
Location: Engineering Student Design Center 1526
Prerequisites: Graduate students and upper-division undergraduates with instructor's approval
Class Code: ABT: 212-001; CRN: 30376

Instruction Info

Instructor: Dr. Kurt Kornbluth
Office Hours: -
Questions: Isabella Bianchi (inbianchi@ucdavis.edu) 

Examples of Past Projects

thrane homestead graph

Thrane Homestead Microgrid (Hood River, OR)

Rühstaller Brewery

Sustainable Master Plan (Rühstaller Brewery)

Campus Education Building Retrocommissioning graph

Campus Education Building Retrocommissioning (UC Davis Health)

People

Portrait Image
Kurt Kornbluth

Dr. Kurt Kornbluth, PhD

Position Title
  • Founder of PIET and D-Lab
  • Academic Director, Engineering Student Design Center (ESDC)
  • Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE)

Policy

Assignments: Through lectures, field trips, and a hands-on project, students will understand the concepts behind zero net energy buildings and communities, and the associated climate and economic issues. PowerPoint presentations, handouts, problem sets, and additional reading materials will be available on Canvas.

Grading: participation (20%), lab assignments (25%), main project (55%).

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