From the refrigerators that we use in our homes to the colossal power stations that generate the electricity we use and provide power to industry, the significance that thermodynamics plays in the 21st century cannot be underestimated.

The aim of this unit is to build on the techniques explored in Unit 13: Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines, to develop further students’ skills in applied thermodynamics by investigating the relationships between theory and practice.

Among the topics included in this unit are: heat pumps and refrigeration, performance of air compressors, steam power plant and gas turbines.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to determine the performance and operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems, review the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors, use charts and/or tables to determine steam plant parameters and characteristics, describe the operation of gas turbines and assess their efficiency.

Heat pumps and refrigeration:
Reversed heat engines: reversed Carnot and Rankine cycles
Second law of thermodynamics
Refrigeration tables and charts (p-h diagrams)
Coefficient of performance of heat pumps and refrigerators
Refrigerant fluids: properties and environmental effects
Economics of heat pumps

Performance of air compressors:
Theoretical and realistic cycles
Isothermal and adiabatic work
Volumetric efficiency
Intercoolers, dryers and air receivers
Hazards and faults: safety consideration and associated legislation

Steam power plant:
Use of tables and charts to analyse steam cycles
Circuit diagrams showing boiler, super heater, turbine, condenser and feed
Pump
Theoretical and actual operation: Carnot and Rankine cycle
Efficiencies and improvements

Gas turbines:
Single and double shaft gas turbine operation
Property diagrams: Brayton (Joule) cycle
Intercooling, reheat and regeneration
Combined heat and power plants
Self-starting and burner ignition continuation

A 3000-word portfolio of case studies covering all learning outcomes, weighted at 100%

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Evaluate the performance and operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems.

Review the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors.

Determine steam plant parameters and characteristics using charts and/or tables.

Examine the operation of gas turbines and assess their efficiency.

Fluids Laboratory with compressors, heat pumps and flow measuring systems.

EASTOP, T.D. and MCCONKEY, A. (1996) Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall.
EASTOP, T.D. and MCCONKEY, A. (1996) Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists. Student Solutions Manual. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall.
RAYNER, J. (2008) Basic Engineering Thermodynamics. 5th Ed. Pearson.

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College.

From the refrigerators that we use in our homes to the colossal power stations that generate the electricity we use and provide power to industry, the significance that thermodynamics plays in the 21st century cannot be underestimated.

The aim of this unit is to build on the techniques explored in Unit 13: Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines, to develop further your skills in applied thermodynamics by investigating the relationships between theory and practice.

Among the topics included in this unit are: heat pumps and refrigeration, performance of air compressors, steam power plant and gas turbines.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to determine the performance and operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems, review the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors, use charts and/or tables to determine steam plant parameters and characteristics, describe the operation of gas turbines and assess their efficiency