Inclusion of Concentrated Solar Thermal Power in Northeastern University's Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract. Global energy consumption continues to surge, demanding a transition from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. A variety of renewable energy sources—solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal—are critical to this transformation, with each offering diverse and regionally adaptive solutions. Among these sources, solar energy has become a dominant force through both photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies. While PV systems remain the leading force in regard to rapid deployment and decentralized applications, concentrated solar thermal power (CSTP) systems offer a unique advantage of thermal energy storage. Thermal energy storage offers an affordable and efficient form of dispatchable electricity generation and industrial process heat. Despite its benefits, CSTP remains a niche and is vastly underrepresented in engineering curricula across the United States. This article presents a comprehensive initiative at Northeastern University to address this educational gap by systematically institutionalizing CSTP content across nine mechanical engineering courses from the first year through the graduate level. Through hands-on projects, advanced simulations, and heliostat-focused design challenges, engineering students gain practical and theoretical exposure to CSTP technologies. By aligning curriculum development with the goals of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Heliostat Consortium (HelioCon), Northeastern University establishes a replicable model for integrating CSTP education and preparing a new generation of engineers to meet the growing demands of the clean energy transition.