CHATTANOOGA ENGINEERS CLUB

www.ChattanoogaEngineersClub.org

 

NEXT Meeting (The Read House)____________________________________________

 

Monday, November 15, 2004 - noon, The Read House, Continental Room

 

Topic:  “Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Security:  Keeping Us Safe at Home and Abroad” - Michael Whitaker, ORNL's Nuclear Science and Technology Division

 

Every day in the news we see, hear or read about situations in North Korea, Iran or other countries that could have serious implications for security for the rest of the world.  To give us some perspective on the issue, Michael Whitaker from ORNL will discuss his views on the changing role of Nuclear Nonproliferation in the 21st Century.  In particular, he will talk about the International Atomic Energy Agency and its future needs.  He will describe some of the recent Oak Ridge nonproliferation support activities and identify some future projects that would benefit from support from the nuclear industry.

 

Invocation/Pledge Chair:  Terry Reynolds

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY____________________________________________________

 

Our Christmas Party and 80th Anniversary will be on Thursday, December 9, 2004, at 6:30 pm at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the Chattanooga Room of the University Center.  Our speaker will be Mayor Bob Corker and afterward we’ll induct new officers and have music, dancing and door prizes.  The CSTCC Concert Choir plans to sing during our dinner.  Get your tickets now for $30 per person at the Monday meetings or by mailing a check payable to the Chattanooga Engineers Club at P.O. Box 4031, Chattanooga, TN  37405.  RSVP to Tiffany Gibby at (423)751-3168 or Judy Driggans at (423)751-7616.

Don’t miss it!!!

 

OUR PREVIOUS MEETING________________________________________________

 

Topic:  “Are We There Yet? Current Status of Fuel Cell Technology” - Dale Bradshaw, CEC member and former Manager of TVA’s Energy Research & Technology Applications

 

Today, there are six major fuel cell technologies being researched and used in various ways: direct methanol fuel cell, powder electrolyte membrane fuel cell, planar oxide fuel cell, tubular solid oxide fuel cell, phosphoric acid fuel cell, and molten carbonate fuel cell.  Mr. Bradshaw briefly described the properties, benefits, and weaknesses of each of these fuel cell technologies. He then explained that fuel cell technology burns more efficiently, operates quieter, gives less pollution, and is more easily dispatched to meet customer demand.  Some of the major barriers to implementing fuel cell technology are: 1) 4 to 25 times more expensive to produce, 2) very high cost of materials, 3) relatively unknown technology, 4) can only be used for base loading, and 5) lack of existing standards.  Presently, fuel cell technology is not meeting industry projections.  The research on fuel cell technology needs to accelerate especially in the area of hydrogen-based technologies where there are bright possibilities. Some of the potential fuel cell applications with promise include portable electronics for both consumer and military applications and in fleet vehicle transportation.

 

Thanks to Jim Barrott for the meeting summary.

 

CORRECTION:  The title of the 11/1/04 meeting was “Leadership for Geeks” given by Stephen Smith.  Last week’s bulletin had an incorrect title for Mr. Smith’s presentation summary.  Our apologies go to Mr. Smith.

 

SPECIAL NOTE - OFFICER ELECTIONS______________________________________

 

Officer elections are coming up on November 22.  If you would like to serve as an officer or nominate someone (with their consent), please contact any member of the Election Committee.  Members are Lulu Copeland (lcopeland@aol.com, 697-3212), Jack Wagner (892-4593), and Uwe Zitzow (uwe@chattanooga.net, 756-4123).

 

FUTURE MONDAY MEETINGS_____________________________________________

 

November 22:  “Nanotechnology” - Doug Lowndes, ORNL

 

November 29:  TBD

 

December 6:  Dr. Rick Keyser and UTC Senior Design Group Presentation

 

December 13:  Chattanooga Engineers Club Business Meeting & Spouse Appreciation Luncheon

 

December 20 & 27:  No Meeting

 

TBD:  Fusion Technology - ORNL

 

TBD:  Nanotechnology - Jayesh Doshi, E-Spin

 

WHERE WE MEET _______________________________________________________

 

We meet at The Read House, and lunch is $11.  Parking is free at the Days Inn across MLK Blvd. but you’ll need a note in your windshield that you’re with the Engineers’ Club.  Valet parking (by AAA, the manager of the Read House Hotel parking garage) is $3 for lunch events.  The Read House Hotel garage entrance is now on Broad Street.

 

QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? ______________________________________________

 

If you have any questions or suggestions about program items please call Tiffany Gibby at 423-751-3168 or by email at tjgibby@tva.gov. You can find references to other Chattanooga Engineers Club members at our web site: www.ChattanoogaEngineersClub.org.