| CODE | MEC5008 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Energy Conversion Processes: Thermofluid Systems | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mechanical Engineering | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will introduce fundamental principles of thermofluids engineering applicable to energy conversion. The three main areas of study will be covered: Thermodynamics, Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer. Topics to be presented shall include thermo-physical properties of fluid systems, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the energy equation for non-flow and flow processes, thermodynamic cycles, flow in pipes and pumps, heat transfer processes involving conduction, convection and radiation, and heat exchangers. Study-unit Aims: The aims of the study-unit are to give the students the fundamental theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer to enable them to analyse simple engineering problems involving fluid-based energy conversion processes. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the properties and units applicable to thermofluids; - Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics; - Distinguish between reversible and irreversible thermodynamic problems; - Discuss simple thermodynamic cycles applicable to power generation, heating and cooling processes; - Distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow conditions in pipes; - Describe the performance characteristics of pumps; - Explain the three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation); - Distinguish between natural and forced convection; - Discuss the application of heat exchangers in energy flow processes. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the appropriate laws and relations applicable to different engineering problems involving thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer; - Determine the state and properties of a given fluid using fluid property charts; - Apply the energy equation for non-flow and flow processes; - Model simple thermodynamic cycles involving perfect gases, steam and refrigerants; - Analyse simple thermodynamic problems involving mixtures of gases; - Compute the pressure drop in pipes using simple empirical relations and the Moody chart; - Apply the Bernoulli equation for simple pipeline systems, including systems involving the integration of pumps; - Conduct heat transfer computations; - Perform heat transfer analysis of simple systems using resistance networks and the lumped heat capacitance method; - Apply correlations for modelling convective heat transfer; - Model the performance of heat exchangers; - Size heat exchangers depending on heating/cooling requirements. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Eastop, T. D., & McConkey, A. (2006). Applied thermodynamics for engineering technologists. Harlow: Pearson/Prentice Hall. - Rogers, G. F. C., & Mayhew, Y. R. (1992). Engineering thermodynamics: work and heat transfer. London: Longmans. - White, F. M. (2017). Fluid mechanics. New Delhi, India: McGraw-Hill Education (India). - Douglas, J. F., Gasiorek, J. M., Swaffield, J. A., & Jack, L. B. (2011). Fluid mechanics. Harlow: Pearson/Prentice Hall. - Moss, K. (2007). Heat and mass transfer in buildings. London: Taylor & Francis. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Practicum | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Daniel Micallef |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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