Module: Thermodynamics: Exergy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Thermodynamics: Exergy
Module Code	MEC1022 (ITS: MM323)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Thermodynamics: Exergy follows on directly from Thermodynamics: Energy, i.e. from the First law of Thermodynamics to Entropy, the Second Law, and Exergy Analysis. The module focuses on the theory and application of thermodynamic principles to study engineering processes and/or systems. The students will use the thermodynamic properties of entropy and exergy to quantify and improve the thermodynamic efficiency of engineering systems. The principles of psychrometry are introduced, and are used to understand the thermodynamics of air/water vapour mixtures for HVAC applications. Chemical energy, the heating values of fuels, and principles of combustion are also presented.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the concept of irreversibilities, using the property entropy.
2. Derive the entropy balance equation for common system models: e.g. ideal gas and incompressible fluid.
3. Understand the concept of exergy and the dead state; apply exergy analysis to analyse thermodynamic system efficiency and irreversibilities.
4. Apply the principles of pyschrometry to analyse air and water vapour mixture systems

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Two lectures per week
Tutorial	12	One tutorial per week
Directed learning	20	The module content will be delivered through a variety of lectures, tutorials, and a lab assignment.
Independent Study	69	Indicative breakdown: group assignment, lab report, and independent study time
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10226	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lorna Fitzsimons	Module Teacher	Corné Muilwijk, Yan Delaure

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group laboratory	Laboratory session. The students will attend a session related to a thermodynamic system such as a heat pump or air conditioning unit. The students will need to complete a quiz or assignment that will include an assessment of the analysis of their results.	10%	n/a
Loop Quiz	The students will need to complete (a) Loop Quiz(zes) that covers the material discussed in class.	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	Written, invigilated, on-campus exam.	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Entropy
The concept of irreversibilities and the property entropy are introduced.

Second Law of Thermodynamics
The entropy balance equations are derived and applied

Exergy
Exergy analysis is used to assess the second law efficiency of engineering processes; the exergetic efficiency is used to assess the environmental impact of systems and processes.

Psychrometry
The principles of pyschrometry are introduced and applied to study HVAC systems; low environmental impact cooling methods such as evaporative cooling are introduced.

Combustion
The principles and mechanism of combustion are studied, along with the concept of fuel heating values. A method of determining the stoichiometric coefficients is presented. The impacts of combustion processes on sustainability and climate change are investigated.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Cengel, Boles and Kanoglu: 2023, Thermodynamics: an engineering approach, 10th edition,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None