Module: Thermodynamics:Energy

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Thermodynamics:Energy
Module Code	MM204 (ITS) / MEC1001 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
Module Co-ordinator	Michael May
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This is an introductory module to energy sciences and thermodynamics. The module aims to introduce the principles and applications of the thermodynamic data tables, heat transfer and of the first and second thermodynamic laws. Applications considered include refrigeration and power cycles. The module also includes an introduction to sustainable energy, global energy supply and demand and energy ethics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret thermodynamic tables and describe the thermodynamics state of a pure substance
2. Describe thermodynamic processes, including processes involving phase changes, in terms of p-v and T-v diagrams and ideal gasses
3. Study the modes of heat transfer by means of conduction, convection and radiation
4. Characterise energy transfers by heat, work and mass, in terms of a system's thermodynamic states.
5. Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics for the study of a range of thermofluid systems
6. Describe and study a range of power and refrigeration cycles.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly lectures on Thermodynamics and Energy
Tutorial	12	Hands-on classes in Thermodynamics and Energy
Laboratory	12	Lab work for Thermodynamics and Energy
Independent Study	77	Research and revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Energy
Temperature and temperature scales. First law of thermodynamics and ideal gases. Second law of thermodynamics, entropy and refrigeration cycles. Working fluids, Saturation State properties, Properties of vapours, Properties of wet vapour, introduction to steam tables. Refrigeration and Heat pumps, Vapour compression cycles and P-H diagrams. Global energy, fossil fuels, energy and the environment, global warming. Sustainable energy. Ethics and fossil-based energy, renewable energy and nuclear energy.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Group project	The focus of this project is the design and analysis of a thermodynamic system where the students will work in groups to research current developments. Using thermodynamics and heat transfer principles the students may carry out a simple payback and environmental assessment of their system.	15%	Week 12
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory session. The students will attend a 2-hour thermodynamics laboratory session related to a vapour-compression cycle and heat transfer. The students will need to complete an individual Loop quiz that will include an assessment of the analysis of their results, and plot the refrigeration process on a p-H diagram.	15%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Two timed Loop Quiz tests throughout the semester: although subject to change, it is planned to hold class tests in week 6 and week 9.	15%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Tutorial questions are covered by weekly Loop Quizzes starting Week 1. The average grade will count towards 5% CA.	5%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Cengel: 0, Thermal-Fluid Science, McGraw Hill, 0-07-118152-0
Cengel, Boles: 2014, Thermodynamics: An engineering approach, 8, McGraw - Hill, 0073398179
Eastop and McConkey: 1996, Applied Thermodynamics, 5, Longman, 0582091934
Rogers and Mayhew: 1995, Thermodynamic and transport property tables, 5, Blackwell, 0631197036

Other Resources

None