Published: July 11, 2007 10:16 pm         

Purdue to stage energy workshop

Purdue University will join the Terre Haute Children’s Museum to offer a free, two-hour workshop that explores the pros, cons and future potential of various types of energy sources, including coal, biomass and hydrogen.

“Energy: Myths and Reality” will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the museum. The event is sponsored by Purdue’s Energy Center at Discovery Park and the museum.

“Energy is such an important topic for our future because it has the potential to affect not just our environment, but also our political policies and economy,” said David Goodman, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering technology who is one of the workshop coordinators. “As our fossil fuels become more limited in years to come, it’s vital that we develop alternative methods of producing energy. Educating the public by discussing the options available is an important first step in getting more people to think about these issues.”

Goodman, along with Aruna Namburi, Children’s Museum board member and exhibit coordinator, and Heather Cooper, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology, will lead the discussions and activities on coal, biomass, hydrogen and fuel cells.

Goodman said coal, which is easily available and relatively cheap, is the main method of producing electrical energy in Indiana. However, its main drawback is that it produces carbon dioxide, which can harm the environment.

Biomass refers to the use of biological material, such as plant matter, to produce energy. An example of this is biofuel, which is now being used in some automobile fuel. Goodman said there is great potential for fuels such as E-85, which is 85 percent biofuel and 15 percent gasoline, but that cost is a factor, and many automobiles are not equipped to utilize this more acidic fuel.

Goodman said the use of hydrogen, the most abundant of the chemical elements, would produce no pollution and could be used in fuel cells. Fuel cells work similarly to batteries and could be used to power automobiles and produce electricity for home use. He said cost also is a factor in this method, as well as difficulties in capturing this element for use as a reliable energy source.

In addition to discussion, there will be activities for workshop participants, including a fuel cell car race and a demonstration of how to measure electric power and calculating potential energy.

The workshop is an extension of a project that Purdue is involved in at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Cooper and Goodman helped to coordinate “Our Energy Future: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells,” which is currently on display at the museum.

The workshop is open to all ages. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (812) 235-5548 or e-mailing pstrong@terrehautechildrensmuseum.com. The deadline for registration is Wednesday. Purdue to stage energy workshop