Teaching

CHE 231 (Transport Phenomena I: Fluids) is one of the core chemical engineering courses.  The aim of this course is to teach chemical engineering students the fundamental principles of fluid transport on a macro and micro scale (mass, energy, and momentum balances, fluid flows in pipes, differential equations of fluid mechanics, viscous flows, boundary layers, and turbulent flows).  Students will be able to use mass, momentum, and energy balances to analyze and/or design fluid systems.  After completing the class students will develop the skills to handle fluid flows problems of interest to chemical engineers.

This class provides a comprehensive analysis of fuel cell technologies.  We begin by discussing the different types of fuel cells and the thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals that control their performance. Then, we discuss materials and techniques used to characterize fuel cells.  We finish the course with a specific analysis of biofuel cells and their applications.

This class provides a hands-on experience in the conception, design and implementation of a shoebox sized car that is driven by a chemical reaction.  The design must conform to rules established by AIChE.  The students will focus on the design of the car and the chemical reaction.  Students that qualified for an AIChE National Competition will focus on optimizing the car for this event.

This core course in ASU’s Solar Utilization Network IGERT program, and providesthe basis for interdisciplinary energy case studies on the foundational challenges in four core areas – Bioenergy, Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, and Sustainability and Policy.  Dr. Torres is one of the instructors for this course.  To learn more about the SUN IGERT program, click here.