Module: Turbomachinery

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Turbomachinery
Module Code	MEC1061 (ITS: MM538)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The objective of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of hydraulic and turbomachine design. The theory is used to explain design methods and principles and is applied to solve a range of practical and simplified problems. The practical part of the course involves a design challenge. The students will work in teams to develop and assess a micro-wind turbine, where the design will be based off a numerical optimization using a Blade Element Momentum technique. The performance of the design will then be assessed by means of experiments in a wind tunnel.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret the theoretical foundations of fluid mechanics in turbomachine design
2. Report on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 2D airfoil profile
3. Carry out a theoretical assessment of turbomachine performance from idealised flow velocity diagrams
4. Predict the performance of an airfoil or hydrofoil using a potential flow simulation tool
5. Carry out aerodynamic design of a wind turbine using a BEM solution
6. Understand the selection criteria for pumps including scaling laws
7. Implement a numerical optimisation solution for wind turbine design
8. Work in teams to model and design a pumping or mixing solution
9. Design a turbomachine from specifications defined to meet an industry need
10. Integrate CFD and CAD tools to a practical and industry relevant engineering design challenge
11. Analyse a hydraulic network

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Formal Lectures
Tutorial	12	Problem solving exercises
Assignment Completion	48	No Description
Independent Study	103.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	20392	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Yan Delaure	Module Teacher	Corné Muilwijk

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Students will work in teams to design a micro-scale wind turbine for a specified range of operating conditions. The teams will follow a numerical optimization driven design process. They will integrate a BEM/DMST model and virtual design tools and will test the suitability and performance of their design, which must be suitable for 3D printing. This exercise will involve designing a micro wind turbine and measuring the power curve in a wind tunnel. The assessment may include among other a technical report, oral/poster presentation, multimedia and/or Loop Quizzes.	50%	n/a
Formal Examination	Formal end-of-semester exam	50%	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

Fluid mechanics fundamentals
A review of fundamentals of fluid dynamics relevant to external flow past airfoils to include aerodynamic forces, Bernoulli's equation, potential flow theory and application for airfoils

Turbomachines
Elementary theory for turbomachines including angular momentum conservation, velocity diagrammes, performance curves, scaling laws and cavitation considering both axial and centrifugal devices.

The aerodynamic design of wind turbine rotors
Theory and methods for the study and simulation of wind turbine rotor aerodynamics including linear and angular momentum conservation, the actuator disc theory, the rotor disc theory and the Blade Element Moentum theory.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Merle Potter: 0, Mechanics of fluids, 978-049566773
GuÌˆlich, Johann F: 0, Centrifugal pumps,
Burton: 0, Wind Energy Handbook, 3,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None