Web exclusive posted June 9, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. CST

On the Truax campus of Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wis., instructors Ken Walz and Paul Morschauser are giving interested students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience manufacturing biodiesel.

During the three-day Introduction to Biodiesel Fuel class, the instructors guide students through the process of synthesizing a small-scale batch of biodiesel through the transesterfication process. The class is designed to focus on the fundamentals of biodiesel production, stressing fuel production, quality control, engine performance, and vehicle emissions. Test engines operating on biodiesel are used to evaluate performance and emission properties.

"We place a lot of emphasis on safety and quality control. These are key issues for the biodiesel industry whether the production is happening in a large industrial or a smaller co-op scale," Walz said. He added that Morschauser and he began teaching the class to help prevent accidents and ensure that off-spec fuel doesn't enter the retail market.

Through their team teaching format, Walz and Morschauser allow students to benefit from a complete overview of biodiesel production. Walz's knowledge of fuel chemistry, partnered with Morschauser's skill in technical engine mechanics, give students the ability to experience a rich blend of hands-on experience through two different areas of expertise.

Introduction to Biodiesel Fuel is one of many classes offered to students interested in earning MATC's Renewable Energy Certificate, a 12-credit program offered through the Consortium of Education in Renewable Energy Technology.

With financial support from a National Science Foundation grant, MATC formed a collaborative partnership with CERET in 2002 to increase the availability and use of renewable energy technologies. Originally MATC and CERET developed curriculum and professional development opportunities for renewable energy instructors at two-year colleges; however a second round of NSF funding in July 2005 enabled CERET to launch the Renewable Energy Certificate program.

CERET courses are developed and taught by renewable energy experts. Classes are designed to benefit full-time students, as well as professionals already in the field. According to Walz, while the program does attract a few students fresh out of high school, and some who currently work in the fuels industry, most are individuals who already have considerable work experience and are making a career shift.

Students in the program can earn a degree, with emphasis on transportation, photovoltaics, solar energy, wind energy, or biomass technology. More than 70 students are enrolled in the Introduction to Biodiesel class; other courses, focusing on solar thermal energy, solar electric technology and photovoltaics have also experienced heavy interest.