Advanced Thermodynamics

DE6309

  • Level 6
  • 15 Credits
  • 0.125 EFTS
  • Course duration: 16 weeks
  • Workload - Approximately 10 hours per week
  • Availability
    Monthly course availability for upcoming periods
    Not available
    Aug
    Not available
    Sep
    Not available
    Oct
    Not available
    Nov
    Not available
    Dec
    2027 Not available
    Jan
    Not available
    Feb
    Not available
    Mar
    Not available
    Apr
    Not available
    May
    Not available
    Jun
    Not available
    Jul

This online course will help you to develop a sound understanding in the theory and application of thermodynamics, especially as related to heat engines, process and environment heating/cooling.

The course will cover the following

  • Thermodynamics
  • Gas cycles, power, efficiency, work
  • Engines, operation principles, pressure charging, trials, indicated and brake power
  • Steam and gas turbines, principles, application of cycles, constructional features, heat exchanger effectiveness
  • Energy conservation and environmental effects
  • Conservation in plant, waste heat recovery, overall efficiencies, co-generation plants
  • Process heat, heat sources and energy transport systems, applications to process plants
  • Steam generating plant and cycles, boiler types, feed systems and components, feed water contamination and treatment, boiler efficiencies
  • HVAC systems, humidity, heating cooling loads, Load line, recycle air, fresh air, plant layout
  • Fuels and combustion calculations, chemical equations, air/fuel ratios, analysis of exhaust gases, solid, liquid and gaseous fuels, preparation of fuels for use, fuel storage and application
  • Air compressors, Inter cooling, Volumetric efficiency

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the laws of thermodynamics
  • Analyse common Internal combustion engine cycles and explain their operation and their effects on the environment
  • Demonstrate an understanding of process heating/cooling systems
  • Explain nozzle terminology, calculate velocities and pressures
  • Outline HVAC system operation and equipment and determine heating, cooling and dehumidifying loads
  • Determine air/fuel ratios and exhaust analysis for common fuels and describe handling requirements

Assessment

  • Internal assessment 50%
  • Examination 50%

For more information and a full list of exam times see our examinations page.

Assessment for this course includes an examination

Open Polytechnic will, subject to you meeting the entry requirements for this course/programme, enrol you in this course.

Your enrolment in the course means that you should expect to complete an in-person examination.

Find out more

 

Textbooks

There is a textbook required for this course: Thermodynamics – An Engineering Approach Cengel and Boles ISBN: 9780073398174

Visit our textbook page for more information.

Labs requirements

A 2 ½ day practical Laboratory held in Wellington is a requirement for this course.

Trimester 1 Laboratories will be held during the term 1 school holidays,  

Trimester 2 Laboratories will be during the term 3 school holidays.

Your lecturer/tutor will confirm the actual dates within the first week of the trimester, however you can click here for school holiday dates to give you a guideline for planning.

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access the course and do your study online, which generally includes reading and doing activities, watching videos, downloading content, and writing and submitting assessments online.

For online learning you need:

  • Access to a laptop or desktop computer
  • Reliable broadband internet and a data plan

Find out more about online learning

If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access will allow you to study online please contact us.

How to apply

Apply to study a programme

You can study this course as part of any of the programmes listed below.

Click on a tile to go the programme information, including the entry requirements and how many courses you'll need to do to complete the programme.

From there you click 'Apply now' and start your study journey.

Apply to study this course

If you would like to study just this course and not enrol in a certificate, diploma or degree you can apply here.

Learn more about course only study