MET 211 Applied Thermodynamics

Module 1
SOURCES OF ENERGY
 Introduction
• Thermodynamics
– It is the science of energy.
• The energy is the ability to do changes (thermal or mechanical).

• Examples:

https://youtu.be/bZUoLo5t7kg
 Application Of Energy
• Photovoltaic System ( PV System )
It is a power system designed to supply solar power by photovoltaic
to convert solar energy to electric energy .

• Examples:
 Sources of Energy
• Renewable Sources of Energy
The energy sources that can be replenished, when once they are used up ,

are called renewable sources of energy.

• Non-Renewable Sources of Energy

The energy sources which once they are used up , cannot be replenished

are called non- renewable sources of energy.

 Source of energy
Energy resources

Non-renewable Renewable

Natural gas Solar

oil Wind

Nuclear Geothermal
 Fuels

• Definition: It is any substance that stores energy, which when burnt will
produce heat
• Fuel types:
– Solid Fuels: Wood and Coal.
– Liquid Fuels: Gasoline , Kerosene oil and light diesel fuel .
– Gaseous Fuels: Natural gas , Coal gas and Water Gas .
• Requirement of Fuel :
– Calorific value – the fuel selected should have higher calorific value
– Price should be cheap
– Handling and storage cost should be minimum
– The fuel should burn more effectively
– The fuel should produce minimum ash on burning
 Fuel physical properties
• Flash point: It is the lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid
will produce a visible flash by contact with an open flame.
Resource : https://youtu.be/w_nVhkvPEpI
• Fire point: It is the point at which the fuel continue to burn without
ignition source for at least five seconds. Below the flash point, the fuel can
be handled safely.

• Viscosity: (It is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow) it is

important in lubrication and in pumping flow and spray of liquids. For
example, honey has a higher viscosity than water.
Resource : https://youtu.be/vNzTYzjLgKE
 Fuel properties
• Calorific value
– Amount of energy per kg of fuel
– High heating value (water in liquid form)
– Low Heating Value (water in gas form)

• Flash point
– Minimum temperature of fuel to start burning when ignited

• Fire point
– Minimum temperature Flash will stay as flame for 5 sec or more

• Viscosity
– Fluid resistance to flow

• Cloud point
– Temperature where wax content of petroleum separate out as solid

• Pour point
– Temperature below which the entire mass of fuel freeze (5-10oC below could point)

09/27/2022 MET 211 APPLIED THERMODYNAMICS 8

 Combustion

• Definition: it is an exothermic chemical reaction between the fuel

and an oxidant (air) that produces heat and light.

• Combustion quality ( Complete Combustion ):

– The amount of oxidant (air) should be sufficient to burn the fuel completely.
– Fuel / Oxidant should be mixed.
– The fuel should remain in the furnace for sufficient time until it get burnt
completely.
– The temperature in the furnaces should be high enough to ignite the incoming
air /fuel mixture.
 Combustion

• Products OF Combustion: The complete combustion of fuel produces various gases such as :

– Carbon dioxide (CO2)

– Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
– Nitrogen (N2) : comes from air supply
– Oxygen(O2) : comes from excess air
– Water vapor (H2O)
– Carbon monoxide (CO ) : is produced if the carbon does not burn completely ( CO is
incomplete combustion )

• Complete combustion: the combustion process that produces limited number

of products. All C  CO2, all H  H2O. No sign of monoxides.

• Incomplete combustion: it occur when there is not enough oxygen to allow

the fuel to react completely or air-fuel mixing is not complete. The combustion
processes produces carbon monoxide.