This module builds on the existing thermodynamics and heat transfer that has been previously delivered in Years 1 and 2. The fundamental theories behind how heat and energy are transported through a range of engineering media are covered. Principally this module focusses on two key engineering phenomena: Heat transfer in engineered surfaces and the behaviour of humid air mixtures. Both of these are taught from an applied perspective and the module focusses on how these concepts are applied in modern industrial situations. This helps you to apply the knowledge and understanding gained to real systems that would be encountered in modern engineering, for example the design of cooling fins and air conditioning processes. 

• LO1. Explain the fundamental definitions, principles and mechanisms applied to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (AHEP4 C1/M1, C3/M3). 

• LO2. Identify and appreciate of the range of industrial applications to which these fundamental concepts and mechanisms may be applied to heat transfer surface design (AHEP4 C1/M1, C3/M3). 

• LO3. Relate fundamental thermodynamics to the study of humid air mixtures and facilitate the design principles of cooling fins, cooling pins, cooling towers, air conditioning and driers (AHEP4 C1/M1, C3/M3). 

• LO4. Critically assess the principles associated with both Thermodynamic and Heat Transfer processes (AHEP4 C1/M1, C3/M3). 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, guided study, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). These are used to explain the principles, basic fundamental concepts and application of Thermodynamic and Heat Transfer, so as to develop your appreciation and ability to apply basic relationships in situations which are relevant to engineering practice and its associated problems 

You are expected to undertake all tutorial sheets issued throughout the module in preparation for the relevant examples classes and to broaden your understanding of engineering problems. Successful completion of all tutorial sheets will help towards meeting the desired learning outcomes. 

Subject-Specific Skills: 

• Develop knowledge of the mechanisms associated with Heat Transfer. 

• Comprehend the terminology and definitions associated with Heat Transfer. 

• Apply the relationships of Heat Transfer to a range of industrial problems. 

• Appreciate the terminology and definitions used in Thermodynamics, including psychrometry and evaporative cooling. 

• Apply the principles of Thermodynamics to critically assess a range of industrial processes. 

• Acquire an understanding of the principles and mechanisms that can be used to support process analysis. 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills to both engineering and industrial applications. 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. 
• C3 M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

• Collaboration Skills: 

  • C3 - Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience 
• Effective Communicators: 
  • EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 

• Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

  • ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 
  • ESA5: Be mindful of the Climate Emergency and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

• Independent and critical thinkers 

  • ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 
  • ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 
  • ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

• Innovative, enterprising and commercially aware: 

  • IEC1: Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems 

• Reflective & Resilient 

  • RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 
  • RR5: Set aspirational goals for continuing personal and professional development, planning effectively with a commitment to lifelong learning 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

The module is assessed through a two-hour formal examination scheduled during the Autumn Semester Examination Period, covering LO 1 - 4. 

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

Formative assessment is provided through tutorials which are delivered throughout the module.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Resit is via a 2 hour written exam. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

THERMODYNAMICS 

• Thermodynamics of gas and vapour mixtures. 

• The principles of psychrometry.  

• Air conditioning including the design of modern air conditioning processes. 

• Evaporative cooling – cooling towers using both forced and natural drafts of ambient air.  

• Industrial dryers including design principles and mass / energy balances in industrial systems. 

HEAT TRANSFER 

• Introduction to definitions and terminology. 

• Conduction in solids under steady and unsteady conditions using a range of analytical and graphical solutions and their application to industrial problems. 

• Convection heat transfer under forced and free modes of operation using a range of empirical and analytical relations and their application to industrial problems. 

• Combined modes of heat transfer applied to industrial problems. 

• The impact of convection and radiation at the boundary of conduction.