Study information

Applied Thermodynamics - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEApplied Thermodynamics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENE2006 MODULE CONVENERProf Asif Tahir (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 45
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module blends the skills of physical understanding/intuition with some numerical work.  The concepts covered will be for the main part on the thermodynamic cycles characteristic of many existing machinery (or thermal systems) where heat and work transfer (i.e. energy transfer) take place You will develop the valuable skill of working out the efficiency of a given cycle from first principles.  This will help you to appreciate how a thermal system should operate to maximise its efficiency and reduce energy losses, and thus evaluate its economic viability. Such issues are relevant to renewable energy.  You will have the opportunity to experience a number of working cycles both in class and through formal labs on refrigeration, for which you will also have the opportunity to learn how to write a well-structured scientific report.  The module should make a nice link with topics on energy management and energy storage. 

This module is a typical advanced course on a mechanical engineering degree for second year students so students with prior mechanical engineering (or close) experience should be able to do it.

Prerequisite module: ENE1008 or equivalent.

AIMS - intentions of the module
This module builds on  first year thermodynamics material by looking at more advanced and practical examples. Historically, national and global development has progressed hand in hand with the evolving methods through which finite natural energy resources such as petroleum, natural gas and coal have been harnessed and distributed.
 
Current trends now favour the exploitation of renewable (non-finite) energy as the prime source. However, the basic science of the energy conversion machinery necessary is broadly unchanged. Using (converting) energy efficiently still remains the central issue;  and this module aims to instil deep quantitative knowledge and understanding about this topic.
 
Applied thermodynamics is an essential area of study for those hoping to improve the effectiveness with which energy resources (finite and renewable) are used and also an essential tool for evaluating correctly the potential of new ideas for energy production and associated machinery.
 
An important recent addition to the course is a study of the refrigeration laboratory and the calculation of coefficient of performance, electric motor efficiency, compressor efficiency and many other thermal parameters enable you to apply knowledge gained to other thermodynamic cycles. Throughout the course, there will be presentations and examples on specific renewable energy applications, which will show the direct link between what you are learning in the module  and the rapid advancements in the renewable energy sector.
 
There will be a special emphasis on power cycles performance and design, including those of gas turbines, steam plants, and internal combustion (reciprocating) engines.
 
Furthermore, the module touches upon important technologies like Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Geothermal energy systems to ensure you are well equipped with skills that will satisfy employers in conventional generation sector as well as the renewable energy generation sector.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes (www.engc.org.uk/ahep). The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes taught and assessed on this module are specified by the codes below.

 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 
1 Apply knowledge of basic principles of heat transfer, second law of thermodynamics, heat engine and application of thermodynamics cycles. Some of the knowledge will be informed by current developments in the subject of study (B1); 

2 Analyse broadly-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions using second law of thermodynamics and engineering engine operating principles (B2); 

 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 
3 Select and evaluate technical literature heat transfer and recent advances in to address broadly-defined problems (B4); 

4 Use practical laboratory to investigate broadly defined problems related to thermodynamic engineering (B12); 

 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

5 Function effectively as an individual and as team member or leader (B16); 

6 Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences (B17). 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The following sequence of lectures with integrated tutorials is distributed over a 10 week period:
 
- heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation; including renewable applications;
- review of thermodynamic principles including 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and entropy;
- heat pumps and refrigeration systems; with renewable applications;
- steam turbine cycles; with example of renewable application;
- gas turbines cycles; with example of renewable application;
- internal combustion engine cycles; with example of renewable application;
- combined heat and power conversion plant;
- combined cycle gas turbines;
- steam turbines performance;
- geothermal energy technology and its applications;
- refrigeration laboratory
- revision.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 40 Lectures
Guided independent study 110 Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 50 1.5 hours 1, 2, 3 Group email
Lab report 25 1200-word equivalent 4, 5, 6 Written
Multiple choice question quizzes 25 8 x 30 mins 1, 2, 3 Written
         
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Examination (50%) Examination (50%) 1, 2, 3 Referral/Deferral period
Lab report (25%) Lab report (25%) 4, 5, 6 Referral/Deferral period
Multiple choice question quizzes (25%) Multiple choice question quizzes (25%) 1, 2, 3 Referral/Deferral period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment. 

 

Deferral –if you have been deferred for any assessment, you will be expected to complete relevant deferred assessments as determined by the Mitigation Committee. The mark given for reassessment taken because of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as if it were your first attempt at the assessment. 

 

Referral- if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%), you will be required to undertake reassessments as described in the table above for any of the original assessments that you failed, The mark given for reassessment taken because of referral will be capped at 40%. 

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE


Web based and Electronic Resources:

E-Recourse / explanatory Videos:

 

The Second Law of Thermodynamics

[San Francisco, California, USA] : Kanopy Streaming, 2015.

 

Entropy: The Second Law of Thermodynamics

[San Francisco, California, USA] : Kanopy Streaming, 2015.

 

Natural convective heat transfer from short inclined cylinders
Oosthuizen, P. H.; New York : Springer, [2013]

 

Everyday Thermodynamics: Refrigeration

The Great Courses, 2015

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Invernizzi, Costanta Mario Closed Power Cycles Thermodynamic Fundamentals and Applications Springer 2013 978-1-4471-5140-1
Set Eastop, T.D. and McConkey, A. Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists 5th Longman 1993 0-582-09193-4
Set Irving Granet Thermodynamics and heat power CRC Press 2015 978-1-4822-3856-3
Set Sharpe, G.J. (George Joseph), Solving problems in applied thermodynamics and energy conversion Longman Scientific & Technical 1987 0470207078
Set Rogers, G. and Mayhew, Y Engineering thermodynamics, work and heat transfer 4th Longman 1992 0-582-04566-5
Set Cengel Y.A. and Boles M.A. Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach McGraw-Hill 2011 0-07-011927-9
Set Tyldesley, John R. An introduction to applied thermodynamics and energy conversion Longman 1977 0582440661
Set DiPippo, Ronald Geothermal power plants principles, applications, case studies and environmental impact Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier 2008 978-0-08-100879-9
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ENE1008
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Saturday 9th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 16th April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Applied thermodynamics; thermodynamic cycles; thermal systems.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.