Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ENGI42115: Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems

Department: Engineering

ENGI42115: Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None.
Tied to H1K609

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce and familiarise students with technologies for thermal utilisation of renewable energy for heat and power production using heat engines and other converters.

Content

  • Solar, biomass, hydrogen and waste thermal energy resources;
  • Principles of internal and external combustion engines for thermal conversion of renewable energy; design and thermodynamics of stirling engines.
  • Solar thermal energy; overview of low and high temperature solar thermal energy conversion. Design and calculations of solar collectors for low temperature solar thermal energy conversion. High temperature solar power production technologies using concentrating mirrors.
  • Technologies for fuel production from biomass. Design of energy units fuelled by biomass. Hydrogen technology and fuel cells.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Appreciation of different types of RE as a waste source for conventional heat and power production. A1, A4.
  • Understand thermal conversion methods for H & P production. A1, C3.
  • Calculate design parameters for solar collectors. A1, A3, B11, C3.
  • Understand stirling engine and fuel cell design principles. A1, C3, B11.
  • To be able to apply theories to a design project and write a design report. A1, B1, A3, B7, B11, C2, C6.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lectures to cover fundamental theories and introduce engineering methods for calculation of parameter of installation.
      • Assignment to assess the students' ability to apply the theories, dealt with in lectures, to a design project.
      • Examinations to assess knowledge, understanding and application.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 19 weekly 1 hour 19
      Tutorials 19 weekly 1 hour 19
      Preparation and Reading 112
      Total 150

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 75%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Written examination, May/June 2 hours 100%
      Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Coursework, Epiphany Term 2,000 words 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Self assessed problem sheets.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University