Study information

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEThermodynamics and Heat Transfer CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG3016 MODULE CONVENERDr Yongde Xia (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 150
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module covers engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer, including refrigeration, heat exchangers and compressors, as well as various aspects of power generation such as gas turbines, internal combustion engines and modern systems such as hybrid power trains and fuel cells. 
 
Processes of heat and energy transfer are fundamental to mechanical engineering, particularly when it comes to power and energy generation. This module introduces the theory and practice of engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer and explore their application in analysing steam operated power plants and design of heat exchangers. You will develop cycle analysis for the design of refrigerators, compressors, gas turbines, compression and spark ignition engines. Furthermore, you will study the properties of fuels, their combustion, exhaust composition, atmospheric pollution, exhaust emissions and reduction. The module also introduces you to the scientific and engineering aspects of other powertrains such as hybrid systems and fuel cells, which are becoming increasingly important in vehicle engineering.
AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip students with a solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer, focusing on the analysis and design of power generation systems, including steam plants, gas turbines, and internal combustion engines. It also covers modern technologies such as hybrid powertrains and fuel cells, alongside the environmental impact of fuel combustion and emissions. 

 

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. The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.
 
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. Understand conservation equations and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, and apply these to solve thermodynamic problems (C&M1, C&M2, C&M3, C&M6);  
2. Understand the basic mechanisms of heat transfer, analyse and calculate heat transfer in simple steady state applications; design simple heat transfer equipment involving flowing heat transfer media (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6); 
3. Analyse basic thermodynamic cycles for energy conversion, use tables and charts of thermodynamic and physical properties; execute basic calculations on power requirements, exit conditions etc for thermodynamic operations (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6, C&M7); 
4. Carry out calculations on a standard range of energy conversion and conservation processes (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6)s; 
5. Discuss combustion processes in standard DI and spark ignition engines, gas turbines (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6);
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of alternative power trains such as hybrid drive trains and the enabling technologies such as fuel cells and batteries (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6); 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7. Demonstrate increased ability to analyse information from a variety of sources (C&M2, C&M3, C&M4, C&M12); 
8. Locate and accurately use data for engineering calculations (C&M2, C&M3, C&M4, C&M6); 
9. Conduct formal calculations on engineering systems with accuracy (C&M2, C&M3, C&M6); 
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
10. Show improved independent learning skills, analyse problems logically and mathematically, and present your results in an appropriate way (C&M1, C&M2, C&M12, C&M13); 
11. Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (C&M11). 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
1: Introduction to thermodynamics: governing laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic functions, behaviour of perfect gases, phase behaviour of real substances, thermodynamic charts and tables, application to heat exchangers, throttling processes, compressors, Carnot and Rankine cycles; : 
 
2: Heat transfer: basic mechanisms of heat transfer – especially conduction, convection, heat exchangers, heat transfer coefficients, heating and cooling problems, coupled conduction/convection problems, natural convection, heat transfer with phase change, introduction to radiative heat transfer, refrigeration and heat pump cycles;: 
 
3: Engine technology: internal combustion engines, petrol and diesel cycles; engine testing, cycle analysis, effect of irreversibility; gas turbines, practical details, cycle analysis; fuels; types of fuel, properties, combustion calculations, exhaust analysis, pollutant formation mechanisms, remediation technology; alternative systems including electrochemical energy conversion (fuel cells and batteries).
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 43 Guided Independent Study 107 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 11 Tutorials
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Laboratory
Guided Independent Study 107 Private Study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 15 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 15
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam - Closed book 70 2 hours (Summer) 1-7, 9 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12)  Written
Practical 1- Experimental report following a Thermodynamic lab 15 10 hours 1, 2, 4-10 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13)    Written
Practical 2 - Report following an Engine test lab 15 10 hours 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13) 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
All above Exam (2 hours, 100%) 1-7, 9, 11  Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark 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

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 28th February 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 24th April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

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