Course content

Thermodynamic systems, properties and processes; closed and open systems, steady-state and transient processes; work and heat. The 1st law of thermodynamics; state change, internal energy, enthalpy and specific heat. The 2nd law of thermodynamics; reversible and irreversible processes, exergy and entropy. Examples related to renewable energy and use of relevant software

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Candidates must understand - Conservation laws for mass and energy, including the 1st law of thermodynamics. - Energy types such as heat and work, internal energy and enthalpy. - Entropy and the 2nd law of thermodynamics. - Causes of thermodynamic losses due to irreversibility. - Quality of different forms of energy measured as the ability to perform work. - Energy quality destruction of processes. - The ideal gas model, its assumptions, applications, and limitations. - Various thermodynamic cycles such as Carnot, Rankine, Otto, Diesel and Brayton. - The relation between energy, work, and heat in thermodynamic systems. - Operation of steam power plants, gas power plants, internal combustion engines, heat pumps, and cooling systems. - The main components of power/heat process systems, such as steam and gas turbines, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers and valves. - Fluids' ability to change state of matter (solid, liquid and gas). - Simple cycle processes and how enthalpy and entropy are used to describe such processes. - Processes related to the combustion of hydrocarbons. Processes related to moist air. Skills: The candidates must be able to - set up mass and energy balances for simple systems with energy, work, and heat. - analyze simple cycle processes. - estimate thermodynamic properties of systems using tables and graphical charts. - calculate efficiencies for power producing and power consuming processes. - describe thermodynamic processes in graphical charts (pv, Tv, Ts, ph). General competence: - Apply basic thermodynamics in renewable energy-related cases related to wind power, hydropower, biopower and thermal machines. - Basic competence included as key elements in other topics focusing on energy systems and industrial processes. - System understanding and the ability to evaluate the energy and exergy efficiencies (energy quality) of systems. - Overview of processes for power generation, heating (heat pumps) and cooling (cooling units), incl. nuclear power.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and laboratory exercises in groups.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• mandatory lab exercises 7 practical excercises

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Calculus 1 and Calculus 2

Course materials

Principles of Engineering Thermodynamics. Moran, Shapiro, Better and Bailey

Credit reductions