Thermodynamics

Learning Outcomes

• Introduction to applications of thermodynamics, and environmental and socio-economic factors. • Thermodynamic properties and processes: Thermodynamic properties and non-ideal fluids; analysis of real thermodynamic processes (compressors and turbines, throttles, nozzles, co/counterflow heat exchangers, property change due to combustion); description of combustion mechanisms; chemical equilibrium. • Internal combustion engine applications: Operating principles and performance parameters thermodynamic analysis of ideal and real cycles (including availability analysis); Improving performance, and current directions in engine technology. • Gas turbine applications: Analysis of real gas turbines – Adaptations for power generation (intercooling, reheat, recuperation, blade cooling); gas turbines for aero-propulsion (incl. propulsive efficiency and bypass). • Vapour cycles: Properties of condensable fluids, use of tables, charts and equation of state; Carnot and Rankine power cycles; Effects of steam temperature and pressure, reheat, regenerative feedwater heating, and boiler efficiency. • Boilers and combined cycles: Steam generation in bio-mass and coal-fired power plant; combined-cycles – heat recovery steam generators and consideration of the pinch-point. • Refrigeration and Psychrometry: Refrigerants and refrigeration applications; Mixtures of air and water; Applications to air conditioning.

Teaching methods include • Lectures including examples and demonstration experiments, with lecture notes provided. • Example papers, example classes, and online problem solving tutorials. • Laboratory briefings • Structured power plant analysis activity with demonstrator support. Learning activities include • Individual work on examples. • Laboratory measurements, analysis, and assessment activity. • Power plant analysis activity: background reading, computational analysis, and assessment activity.