As your instructor, I have to say, this is probably one of the hardest parts of the course to co-ordinate at the outset. There are many options... should we choose arbitrary projects, select groups at random, and go from there? Or should the instructor let you form groups ad hoc and according to interests? This project is different from all of your independent RESS projects, and the formation of the groups is important to success.
My hope is that about 50-70% of you already have a sense of the groups with which you want to work, and we can figure out a good fit for the rest. My fear is that 20-50% of you still have no inclination towards one project or another. Again, these are supposed to be GROUP projects... and not individually directed or driven.
Let me say that working with a group this semester is particularly important if you want to get into consulting. You need to know how to work dynamically with groups... and single technology projects may not be the only thing about which you are asked to consult. As well, understanding the integration of "stand-alone energy projects" with other energy systems is also a significant outcome we want our graduates to have in their toolbox. (Ultimately, if you are looking to have a good example of a project for your portfolio, you will benefit most from working within a group of your peers.)
Ok, that is a lot of caveats. Following this is a Discussion Forum that you should complete by Thursday of this week, where you do your best to form into groups based on your interests and areas of expertise. Groups are to be a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 participants. (Exceptions can be made if you send me an email explaining otherwise.) As well, and this is very important, attempt to achieve a balance between skillsets... your group should have roughly 50/50 renewable energy and sustainability management expertise.
For anyone not aligned with a group project by the end of Thursday this week, I will review skillsets and interests to assign you to a group by the weekend.
Ok, let's get going!