ELEC6221 Power Generation: Technology and Impact on Society

Module Overview

The module content allows students to 1) Appreciate the role of electric power in the modern world – Size of the industry 2) Understand current power demands and projected increase – Geographic location – Seasonal and daily variations 3) Learn different generation technologies – Physical and engineering aspects – Economy and cost – Impact on environment – Political vector

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

To understand concepts about the production of electric power through different technologies
To become familiar with economical, ecological, political and management aspects of power generation
To appreciate environmental impact of power generation

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

To make a comprehensive comparison of possible solutions of power generation in particular circumstances
To predict efficiencies of gas turbine and steam plants
To suggest optimal emission control measures for gas turbine and coal-fired plants
To design cost-effective solutions based on combine heat and power (CHP) technology

Syllabus

Power Generation – Technologies (fossil fuel, nuclear, renewables, ...) – Energy in the society – Resources availability – Technological costs – Impact on the environment – Political independence Energy from the environment – Designs and performance Heat engines – Technologies (turbines, boilers, condensers, pumps, etc) – Thermodynamic efficiency – Engineering design – Pollution – Capital costs and fuel prices

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and example classes every week. Group project on development of power generation strategy . Visit to Marchwood Power station.

Type	Hours
Lecture	36
Follow-up work	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Fieldwork	8
Completion of assessment task	40
Wider reading or practice	10
Revision	16
Workshops	4
Tutorial	12
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Y. A. Cengel, M. A. Boles (2007). Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach.

Applied thermodynamics.

Analysis of engineering cycles: power, refrigerating, and gas liquefaction plant.

R. Decher (1994). Energy Conversion - Systems, Flow Physics and Engineering.

P. Breeze (2005). Power generation technologies.

Assessment

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	20%
Examination (2 hours)	50%
Group essay/presentation	30%

Repeat

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	20%
Essay	30%
Examination	50%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework marks carried forward	50%
Examination (2 hours)	50%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External