Exploration of Energy and Electrification: Brazil

 

This international experience course will explore energy conversion, conservation, delivery, and end-use in Brazil. Students will learn about the history of Brazilian energy infrastructure, and how it has driven Brazil’s strategy to generate and use renewable energy. There will be a heavy focus on hydropower which makes up the largest percentage of Brazil’s energy generation. In addition, students will explore new and emerging technologies which take advantage of other means of renewable energy. Students will also be exposed to Brazilian culture including food, music, dance, and sports. There will also be an opportunity to meet and learn with students from UNISNOS.

 
This course may fulfill a requirement in the Electrical Engineering Power Concentration and may fulfill requirements for the SSoE Sustainability Certificate! 
 
*This program is open to all majors. Students outside SSoE may be asked additional questions about their previous coursework.
 
Our itinerary continues to be finalized, but possible cultural visits may include:
A capoeira demonstration and lesson, traditional Brazilian BBQ, a visit to a mountain town that will make you feel transported to Germany, a tour of Iguazu Falls, and a visit to a bird sanctuary!
 
We will have an info session on Thursday, November 9 at 4pm in Benedum 1145. Come meet some student alumni and our faculty lead.

Check out the video below for more info about the program!

 
 

What You'll Accomplish: 

 

Through a combination of company and academic visits in Brazil you'll gain an understanding of:

  •  Transmission and distribution systems at the electric utility level and how it relates to clean energy integration
  •  Historic and current energy policies

Visits may include:

  • Certaja Energia
  • Osorio Wind Farm
  • Higra
  • Semae
  • HTT Semiconductors
  • Sirtec
  • Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam
  • Baixo Iguacu Hydroelectric Plant

 
 

Where You'll Live: 

You will be staying in hotels. You can expect: 

  • Double or triple rooms with a shared bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Sheets, blankets, towels, and washcloths
  • Breakfast included each day 
  • Wifi
What You'll Study: 

Energy is one of the few areas that requires contributions from all areas of engineering. Much of the power that is generated requires rotation of electric machinery, whether the rotation is provided from fossil fuels, wind energy, pneumatic (e.g. compressed gas) energy, hydraulic (e.g. water flow) energy. These rotating machines require the expertise of mechanical engineers to design efficient systems which mitigate losses due to friction, windage, and vibrations. In addition, material science engineers work to improve steel for these rotating machines or more efficient wind turbine blades. Chemical engineers are important in designing and working with new battery chemistries to improve storage capabilities or developing process control strategies which lead to cleaner and more efficient use of the earth’s natural resources. It is very important that we optimize the generation, storage, use, and delivery of electrical energy. Industrial engineers play a vital role in developing optimization and decision making tools which make this happen. Electrical and computer engineers work together on the embedded systems and real time controls which protect the grid. While engineering science and bio-engineers use their comprehensive knowledge of systems to integrate it all together. As we transition to a modernized grid in the digital age, we will need the help of everyone in engineering. In the course Exploration of Energy and Electrification: Brazil, we will explore all of the areas mentioned so that the program is inclusive to all engineering students in SSOE

-Dr. Kerestes

 

Engineering students can view how these courses will fulfill degree requirements here.

 

Energy and Electrification: Brazil (ENGR1283)
Syllabus:
PDF icon Download ENGRXXXX_Energy_Syllabus.pdf (172.75 KB)
Your In-Country Contacts: 

Dr. Robert Kerestes

Dr. Robert Kerestes received his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. Prior to that he also received his M.S. (2012), and his B.S. (2010) all with a concentration in electric power systems at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his education, Robert served in the United States Navy as an interior communications electrician onboard the USS Constellation from 1998-2002 and then as a construction electrician in the Seabees Navy Construction Battalion from 2002-2006. Following his education, Robert worked at Emerson Automation Solutions (formerly known as Emerson Process Management) where he led the development and implementation of mathematical models for electric power applications related to embedded simulation. In 2016, Robert joined the University of Pittsburgh’s ECE Department where he focuses on the advancement of pedagogy and assessment in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the areas of electric power distribution systems, distributed energy resources, and electromagnetism. Robert’s research interests are in the development of the next generation of electric power distribution systems and the integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution sector. Robert took on the role of Director of the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program in the Spring of 2017 and currently serves in that role.

E-mail: 
rjk39@pitt.edu

Items Billed by Pitt
  In-State Out-of-State
Program Fee $5,100 $5,300
Study Abroad Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt $5,400 $5,600

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare Varies
Meals Varies
Visa costs - U.S. Citizen are required to apply for a visa to Brazil as of Spring 2024.  The cost is TBD at present but student should budget 75-100 USD for this cost.  More information will be forthcoming as received.   Varies
Visa costs if applicable- If you are not a U.S. Citizen there might be additional costs associated with applying for a visa Varies

 

What's Included: 

As a part of the fee, the following are included in the program:

  • Tuition for three Pitt academic credits
  • All accommodations
  • Daily breakfast, and some additional group meals
  • Local transportation in country
  • All site visits with all entrance fees included
  • On-site orientation
  • Mandatory health and accident insurance 

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our budgeting page for more information.

**Note that Pitt Global Experience Office courses/programs such as this one, operate outside of normal tuition and fee schedules and cannot be combined nor included in full-term tuition pricing. 

For global scholarship opportunities, check out:

  • the Pitt GEO scholarship page for links to national, provider and private scholarship samples
  • PittFund$Me  for Pitt sponsored funding including Pitt wide global scholarships, Nationality Rooms, VIH, etc.
  • PittFund$Me  for the SSOE Global Experience Scholarships!

 

 

What Else You Need to Know: 

Admissions Requirements:

  • This program is for students interested in sustainable energy engineering and/or energy policy and/or the economics of energy.

  • Good academic and behavioral standing, in your second year or higher level at the time of application.

  • This program is open to all majors. Students outside SSoE may be asked additional questions about their previous coursework.