MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

MACE63081 Thermodynamics
(Unit code and title)

1. General information
Title Thermodynamics
Unit code MACE63081
Credit rating 15
Level MSc
Contact Hours 52
Other Scheduled
teaching and learning
activities*
Pre-requisite units
Co-requisite units None
School responsible Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Unit Co-ordinator Professor A Turan
Other Teaching Staff Professor A Turan
ECTS** 7.5
Notional hours of 150
Learning

*To inform the “Key Information Set”. Defined as “any activity that a student has to attend or undertake at a
fixed point and that has no flexibility for when it is undertaken and where the student also has access to an
available staff member” (“Provision of Information about Higher Education: Outcomes of consultation and next
steps” June 2011/18)

**ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System): There are 2 UK credits for every 1 ECT credit, in
accordance with the Credit Framework (QAA). Therefore if a unit is worth 30 UK credits, this will equate to 15
ECT.

2. Aims
For students to be familiar with advanced concepts such as exergy analysis, lost work, dissociation
and irreversibility, and their application to thermodynamic systems, including prime movers (devices
that convert fuel bound energy into power), combustion (as applied in, say, internal combustion
engines) and air conditioning applications.
To familiarise students with advanced steam power systems (i.e. ground based vapour power
turbines) and their thermodynamic cycle analyses.
To review material on reciprocating and gas turbine engine cycles, fuel cells and refrigeration cycles.

3. Brief description of the unit and full syllabus

Brief description:
Prime movers are of central importance to industrial economies. This unit covers refined analytical
methods that allow the analysis of important power plant and air-conditioning applications,
particularly with reference to the limitations imposed by the second law of thermodynamics.
Syllabus:
Thermochemistry and Equilibrium Combustion: Reaction equations, air to fuel ratios, pollutants
and temperature of product gases. Definition of Gibbs and Helmholtz free energies. Application of
the free energies to generalized thermochemical equilibrium (dissociation and pollutant formation
in combustion), effects on flame temperature.
Power Engineering Cycles: Review of appropriate material on steam and reciprocating engines, gas
turbine engines and refrigeration cycles and fuel cells .
Gas Turbine and Fuel Cells: Introduction to fundamentals for performance analysis and design
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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

Availability and Exergy analysis: Definitions, maximum work principles, lost work and irreversibility,
and their importance to closed power systems (such as Rankine cycles) or open systems (such as gas
turbines)
Psychrometry: Absolute and relative humidity, energy balances, as applied to air conditioning.
EBL on Steam Power Plant Design: Use of an in-house MATLAB code to examine effects of input
parameters on cycle efficiencies and net work output of a variety of subcritical steam power plant
designs.

4. Intended learning outcomes:

Learning Outcomes in Engineering

Science and mathematics (SM)

Learning Outcome
SM1: A comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of scientific
principles and methodology
necessary to underpin their
education in their engineering
discipline, and an understanding
and know-how of the scientific
principles of related disciplines to
enable:
appreciation of the scientific and
engineering context, and to
support their understanding of
relevant historical, current and
future developments and
technologies.
SM2: Knowledge and understanding
of mathematical and statistical
methods necessary to underpin
their education in their
engineering discipline and to
enable them to apply a range of
mathematical and statistical
methods, tools and notations
proficiently and critically in the
analysis and solution of
engineering problems .
SM3: Ability to apply and integrate
knowledge and understanding of
other engineering disciplines to
support study of their own
engineering discipline and the
ability to evaluate them critically
and apply them effectively.
SM4: Awareness of developing
technologies related to own
specialisation.
SM5: A comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of
mathematical and computational
models relevant to the engineering
discipline, and an appreciation of
their limitations.
Students should be able to: Delivered Assess-
through ed by
Apply availability and exergy analysis to a
wide range of applications, including
vapour power (Rankine cycle) and gas
power (Joule cycle) systems.
Use free energies to predict dissociative
equilibrium phenomena and elementary
L1, L2, L4, A1, A4,
pollutant formation.
L10 A5
Apply mass and energy balances to air
conditioning applications to identify
power requirements for typical industrial
or domestic applications.
Use steam tables to estimate flame
temperatures and equilibrium constants.
Develop the requisite equations from first
principles (i.e. via the 1st and 2nd laws of
thermodynamics) for any of the
combinations of internal or external,
reversible or irreversible processes
L1, L2, L4, A1, A4,
typically found in engineering power
L10 A5
systems.
Integrate the relevant equations to
encompass a wide range of potential (i.e.
polytropic (𝑝𝑣 𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡. )) processes.
N/A
N/A
Develop basic reaction equations and
means to evaluate product gas
temperatures. Develop equilibrium A1, A4
L1, L2, L4,
constraints for combustion.
L10
Apply Second law of thermodynamics
to generalised systems (not limited to
heat engines) to identify and
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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5)
SM6: Understanding of concepts
from a range of areas, including
some outside engineering, and the
ability to evaluate them critically
and to apply them effectively in
engineering projects.
Learning Outcome
EA1: Understanding of engineering
principles and the ability to apply
them to undertake critical analysis
of key engineering processes.
EA2: Ability to identify, classify and
describe the performance of
systems and components through
the use of analytical methods and
modelling techniques.
EA3: Ability to apply quantitative
methods and computational
methods, using alternative
approaches and understanding
their limitations, in order to solve
engineering problems and to
implement appropriate action.
EA4: Understanding of, and the
ability to apply, an integrated or
systems approach to solving
complex engineering problems.
EA5: Ability to use fundamental
knowledge to investigate new and
emerging technologies.
EA6: Ability to extract and evaluate
pertinent data and to apply
engineering analysis techniques in
[ rev July 2017 ]
differentiate between internal and
external irreversibility.
N/A
Engineering Analysis (EA)
Students should be able to: Delivered Assess-
through ed by
Simplify (where appropriate) and apply
the general forms of the first and second
laws of thermodynamics with reference to
a particular engineering application. L1, L2, L4, A1, A4,
Use mass and energy balances, and L10 A5
entropy transport (including irreversibility)
to provide quantitative analysis of
established and novel power systems.
Quantify the performance of
thermodynamics applications through
thermal efficiency, rational efficiency,
irreversibility and lost work.
Quantify the performance of a reacting
L1, L2, L4, A1, A4,
flow system through the degree of
L10 A5
dissociation.
Identify the principal sources of
irreversibility in a thermodynamic
application, and use this to guide future
system development.
Use analytical methods to determine the
efficiency (however defined) of
thermodynamic plant.
Calculate the effects of dissociation on
flame temperature.
Calculate the effects of product L1, L2, L4, A1, A4,
temperature in the formation of
L10 A5
dissociation compounds.
Use steam tables to calculate enthalpies
and mass flows in psychrometric
applications.
Calculate the individual effects of
components in the thermodynamic
performance of prime movers.
Calculate the principal sources of
irreversibility in internally and externally
L1, L4, L10 A1, A5
irreversible applications, such as internal
combustion engines and gas turbines.
Calculate the overall power consumption
and mass flow requirements for domestic
and industrial air conditioning systems.
Use availability and Exergy to identify
the achievable work potential of new L1 A1
technologies.
Use steam tables to calculate internal and
L1 A1
external irreversibilites. Apply these
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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

the solution of unfamiliar procedures to new problems

problems.
Design (DE)
“Design at this level is the creation and development of an economically viable product, process or system to meet
a defined need. It involves significant, technical and intellectual challenges and can be used to integrate all
engineering understanding, knowledge and skills to the solution of real and complex problems.”
Learning Outcome Students should be able to Delivered Assess-
through ed by
DE1: Understand and evaluate
business, customer and user needs
including considerations such as N/A
the wider engineering context,
public perception and aesthetics.
DE2: Investigate and define the
problem, identifying any
constraints including
environmental and sustainability
limitations; ethical, health, safety, N/A
security and risk issues; intellectual
property; codes of practice and
standards.
DE3: Work with information that
may be incomplete or uncertain
and quantify the effect of this on
the design and, where N/A
appropriate, use theory or
experimental research to mitigate
deficiencies.
DE4: : Apply advanced problem-
solving skills, technical knowledge
and understanding, to establish
rigorous and creative solutions that
are fit for purpose for all aspects of N/A
the problem including production,
operation, maintenance and
disposal.
DE5: Plan and manage the design
process, including cost drivers and N/A
evaluate outcomes.
DE6: Communicate their work to
technical and non-technical N/A
audiences.
DE7: Demonstrate wide knowledge
and comprehensive understanding
of design processes and
methodologies and the ability to N/A
apply and adapt them in unfamiliar
situations.
DE8: Demonstrate the ability to
generate an innovative design for
products, systems, components or N/A
processes to fulfil new needs.

Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context (ELS)

Learning Outcome Students should be able to Delivered Assess-
through ed by
ELS 1: Understanding of the need for
a high level of professional and
ethical conduct in engineering and N/A
a knowledge of professional codes
of conduct and how ethical

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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

dilemmas can arise.

ELS2: Knowledge and understanding

of commercial, economic and social N/A
context of engineering processes.
ELS3: Knowledge and understanding
of management techniques,
including project and change
management, that may be used to N/A
achieve engineering objectives,
their limitations and how they
may be applied appropriately.
ELS4; Understanding of the
requirement for engineering
activities to promote sustainable
development and ability to apply N/A
quantitative techniques where
appropriate.
ELS5: Awareness of relevant legal
requirements governing
engineering activities, including
personnel, health & safety,
contract, intellectual property N/A
rights, product safety and liability
issues and awareness that these
may differ internationally.
ELS6: Knowledge and understanding
of risks issues, including health &
safety, environmental and
commercial risk, and of risk N/A
assessment and risk management
techniques and the ability to
evaluate commercial risk.
ELS7: Understanding of the key
drivers for business success,
including innovation, calculated N/A
commercial risks and customer
satisfaction.
Engineering Practice (EP)
Learning Outcome Students should be able to Delivered Assesse
through d by
EP1: Understanding of contexts in
which engineering knowledge can
be applied (eg operations and N/A
management, application and
development of technology, etc)
EP2: Knowledge of characteristics of
particular equipment, processes, or Apply thermodynamic knowledge to
products, with extensive
knowledge and understanding of a equipment and processes in power L1,L4 A1,A5
wide range of engineering producing, and air conditioning plant
materials and components.
EP3: Ability to apply relevant
practical and laboratory skills. N/A
Exploit technical literature to
EP4: Understanding use of technical understand the effects of
literature and other information L1,L4 A5
sources. components on steam power
systems
EP5: Knowledge of relevant legal N/A
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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

and contractual issues.

EP6: Understand appropriate codes
of practice and industry standards. N/A
EP7: Awareness of quality issues and
their application in continuous N/A
improvement.
EP8: Ability to work with technical
uncertainty. N/A
EP9: Understanding of different roles
within an engineering team and
the ability to exercise initiative
and personal responsibility , which N/A
may be as a team member or
leader.

Additional General Skills (AGS)

Learning Outcome Students should be able to: Delivered Assess-
through ed by
AGS1: Apply their skills in problem Collaborate in EBL sessions to obtain
solving, communication, working efficiencies and work outputs of different L4
with others, information retrieval, fuel cell systems. A5
and effective use of general IT
facilities.
AGS2: Plan self-learning and improve Read further into the subject areas of
performance, as the foundation for steam power, exergy, psychometry and L4,L10 A1, A5
life-long learning / CPD. combustion, using the recommended
books from the reading list
AGS3: Plan and carry out a personal N/A
programme of work, adjusting where
appropriate.
AGS4: Exercise initiative and N/A
personal responsibility, which may be
as a team member of leader.

5. Learning and teaching processes

Learning outcome(s) Approx hours
Learning and Teaching Brief description delivered by Learning of study time,
process (10hrs= 1
and Teaching process credit)
L1. Lectures Traditional large group SM1, SM2, SM5, EA1— 36
lecture. Printed notes 6, EP2, EP4, AGS1, AGS2
made available to
students
L2. Laboratory work N/A
L3. Computer based EBL Sessions on Steam SM1, SM2, SM5, EA1— 16
assignments Power Plant Design 4, EP2, EP4, AGS1, AGS2
L4. Computer based tutorials N/A
L5. Individual project N/A
L6. Group project N/A
L7. Practical training, e.g. N/A
workshop or field course
L8. Personal tutorials (with N/A
personal tutor)
L9. Self study 88

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 MSc / Further Learning Unit Specification Template (ed 5) [ rev July 2017 ]

6. Feedback

Written feedback provided on the group reports and coursework. Feedback provided according to
school deadlines. Refer to section 8 for feedback relating to EBL activity.

7. Assessment
Learning Duration, hrs Weighting
Description of the of
Assessment outcome(s) assessment, within unit
assessment assessed (%)
if applicable
A1. Unseen 5 (out of 7) comparable SM1, SM2, SM5, 3 80
examination difficulty level compulsory EA1—6, EP2, AGS2
questions on topics
covered
A2. In class test N/A
A3. Written report Group report on EBL SM1, SM2, EA1—4, 16 20
investigation of steam EP2, EP4, AGS1,
power systems. AGS2
A4. Oral N/A
presentation
A5. Poster N/A
A6. Practical N/A
demonstration

8. Coursework deadlines
EBL Sessions on Steam Power Plant Design. Hands-on Computer sessions weeks 2 - 5. Hand-in of group
reports week 6. MACE feedback sheets returned within two weeks of hand in. Marked reports handed
back week 8.

9. Reading list
• Advanced Thermodynamics for Engineers
-- D.E. Winterbone and A. Turan
• Hybrid Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
-- M.L. Ferrari, U. Damo, A. Turan and D. Sanchez
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics
– Sonntag, Borgnakke & Van Wylen
• Modern Thermodynamics. From Heat Engines To dissipative Structures
– Kondepudi & Prigogine
• Engineering Thermodynamics, Work and Heat transfer
– Rogers & Mayhew

10. Last update

Date: 27/07/2017 by: AT