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
Module Aims
To provide an overview of technological and societal aspects of power generation
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 |
| Wider reading or practice | 10 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Fieldwork | 8 |
| Revision | 16 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Workshops | 4 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
R. Decher (1994). Energy Conversion - Systems, Flow Physics and Engineering.
Analysis of engineering cycles: power, refrigerating, and gas liquefaction plant.
P. Breeze (2005). Power generation technologies.
Y. A. Cengel, M. A. Boles (2007). Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach.
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 20% |
| Examination (2 hours) | 50% |
| Group essay/presentation | 30% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | % |
| Examination (2 hours) | % |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External