Overview

Thermodynamics is the field of physics that deals with the relationship between heat and other properties in a substance, such as pressure, density, and temperature.

Thermodynamics mainly focuses on how heat transfer relates to various energy changes within a physical system undergoing an engineering process. Such processes usually result in work being done by the system and are guided by the laws of thermodynamics.

This module introduces the student to the basic knowledge of production, conversion and utilisation of energy from natural resources. The students develop and apply basic principles of thermodynamics to systems, and control volumes are illustrated and emphasised.

(OLD: Thermodynamics concerns energy, entropy, and the behaviour of almost all physical systems in one way or another. It treats, in the first instance, large systems in thermal equilibrium or moving slowly from one equilibrium state to another, and then more general methods are developed. It expounds broad ideas in physics and is employed in a vast range of applications throughout science.

This module provides an introduction to engineering thermodynamics, focusing on engineering flow processes used in the power generation industries. After covering the first and second laws, several cycles are studied in detail, i.e. ideal gas and vapour power and refrigeration cycles, as well as applications in air-conditioning. The module is complemented by lectures on calculating the fundamental thermodynamic properties of fluids used in flow processes.)

Textbooks: Claus Borgnakke and Richard E Sonntag, “Fundamentals of Thermodynamics”, 7th Ed.

I. Review of engineering analysis methodology

II. Definition of thermodynamic terms a. Heat (Conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer) b. Internal energy c. Reversible and actual work d. Pressure and temperature e. Specific heat and specific heat ratio f. Properties of State: quality, enthalpy, entropy, specific volume

III. First law of thermodynamics a. Closed mass analysis 1. constant volume process 2. constant pressure process 3. constant temperature process 4. adiabatic process 5. polytropic process b. Application of closed mass to heat engines 1. Diesel cycle 2. Otto cycle 3. Dual cycle 4. Carnot cycles, Stirling and Ericson cycle c. Development of control volume equation for first law for common engineering devices

IV. Second law of thermodynamics a. Entropy and the second law 1. Clausius Inequality 2. Clausius and Kelvin statement of second law 3. Entropy equation b. Concepts of energy availability and second law efficiency

V. Power and refrigeration cycles 1. Rankine Cycle 2. Advanced Rankine Cycles 3. Vapor Compression Cycle (reversed Rankine or refrigeration cycle) 4. Alternative refrigeration cycles: Absorption, Reversed Brayton Cycle.

Assessment Strategy

Three courseworks each 20% of final mark. Final exam 40% of final mark.

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%.Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%.Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+.Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the first law of thermodynamics for a control volume and Explain the concept of entropy, including the Clausius Inequality, using thermodynamic tables, setting up entropy balances, and calculating isentropic efficiency

• Explain fundamental concepts relevant to thermodynamics - work, power, and heat; determine work and heat sign conventions; determine work involved with moving boundary systems

• Explain the first law of thermodynamics for a closed system and determine thermodynamic properties of pure substances

• Explain the second law of thermodynamics, including why it is necessary, how it is defined, the nature of irreversibility, and the Carnot cycle