MEEN10050 Energy Engineering

Academic Year 2020/2021

This First Year Engineering core module introduces theory and practice of Energy Engineering, based on fundamental principles and laws of Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer.
Thermodynamics topics are concerned with the ways energy is stored and how energy transformations, which involve heat and work, may take place. These principles are applicable, for example, to heat engines used for power generation, to internal combustion enines used for vehicle propulsion, to refrigeration systems and heat pumps used for cooling and heating, and to liquid pumps and water turbines, such as those used in hydro-electric power stations.
This course focuses strongly on study of the principle of conservation of Energy (First Law of Thermodynamics) and on its application to quantitative problems arising in practical engineering situations. Study of properties of pure substances is also required, as is familiarisation with tables of Thermodynamic fluid properties. Fluids considered include ideal gases and other substances where liquid-vapour mixtures occur.
Heat transfer topics will include analysis of one-dimensional steady state heat transfer problems, such as those that arise in study of heat exchangers and in analysis of heat losses through walls and windows of buildings.
Each student will be required to complete laboratory experiments during the Trimester and also to participate in a Group Assignment. The latter will involve implementing engineering calculations and plotting graphs using a spreadsheet, and writing of a formal technical report.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Explain the significance of a range of thermophysical fluid properties of gases, liquids, vapours and liquid-vapour mixtures in equilibrium, be able to use fluid property data tables and apply the equation of state for an ideal gas.
2. Apply the Laws of Thermodynamics to the solution of quantitative problems associated with practical energy systems and energy conversion devices.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of energy and mass conservation, of thermal efficiency and of coefficient of performance.
4. Apply appropriate theory to the solution of practical problems in steady state heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation.
5. Implement an engineering calculation using spreadsheet software and write a technical report, working in a group environment.

Indicative Module Content:

The module focuses strongly on study of the principle of conservation of Energy (First Law of Thermodynamics) and on its application to quantitative problems arising in practical engineering situations.
Study of properties of pure substances is also required, as is familiarisation with tables of Thermodynamic fluid properties. Fluids considered include ideal gases and other substances where liquid-vapour mixtures occur.

Heat transfer involves exchange of thermal energy (e.g. the kinetic energy of atoms or molecules - which is proportional to temperature) between physical systems.
Heat transfer topics will include analysis of one-dimensional steady state situations, such as those that arise in study of heat exchangers and in analysis of heat losses through walls and windows in buildings.

Each student participates in two laboratory experiments, each designed to illustrate the relationship between theory and practice in applications of the First Law of Thermodynamics related to practical domestic appliances.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

34

Small Group

10

Laboratories

4

Autonomous Student Learning

68

Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, Laboratory experiments, Group Assignment.
Because the class size exceeds the number permitted to assemble in a classroom under current public health guidelines (December 2020), all of the formal lectures for the Spring 2021 Trimester will be delivered live but online at the scheduled lecture times. Links to recordings of all of these sessions will be made available afterwards via BrightSpace.
Each student is required to complete two formal laboratory sessions in this module, each of two hours duration, scheduled in small groups over the course of the Trimester. Because numbers permitted to attend in the laboratory room at any given time are very limited, special arrangements are being made to maximise the learning opportunity and to facilitate interaction between students in a group. A pre-laboratory instruction video will be made available via BrightSpace. It is proposed that the full cohort of students scheduled to attend at a given session will be accommodated in a nearby teaching space where the experiment can be planned, results analysed and reports written - in an envornment where students can interact with each other, supported by a Teaching Assistant. Each student will have the opportunity to participate directly in the experiment but for a shorter time than usual. Students who are unable to attend physically will be facilitated. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Grade C3 or higher in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics
Leaving Certificate Physics or any Stage 1 University Physics Course


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BSEN20020 - Principles of Engineering, BSEN20150 - Agricultural Eng Principles, MEEN1009W - Thermodynamics 1

Equivalents:
Eng Thermo&Fluid Mechanics (MEEN10010)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Online BrightSpace Quiz / Part MCQ / Part Short Numerical Questions / Part Long Numerical Questions 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

65

Lab Report: Laboratory Reports Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Assignment: Group Assignment (Calculations + Report) Week 5 n/a Graded No

15

Class Test: Online BrightSpace Quiz Week 7 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor Donal Finn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Neal Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor James O'Donnell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr William Smith Lecturer / Co-Lecturer