Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-15 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameTermisk energiomvandling
- CodeSEE020
- Credits7.5 Credits
- OwnerTKMAS
- Education cycleFirst-cycle
- Main field of studyEnergy and Environmental Systems and Technology, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- ThemeEnvironment 2.5 c
- DepartmentSPACE, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 55155
- Block schedule
- Open for exchange studentsYes
- Only students with the course round in the programme overview.
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0118 Examination 5 c Grading: TH | 5 c |
| |||||
| 0218 Laboratory 2.5 c Grading: UG | 2.5 c |
In programmes
- TIMAL - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Machine Design, Year 3 (elective)
- TIMAL - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Production Engineering, Year 3 (elective)
- TKAUT - AUTOMATION AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING, Year 3 (elective)
- TKGBS - GLOBAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, Year 3 (elective)
- TKMAS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, Year 3 (elective)
- TKTFY - ENGINEERING PHYSICS, Year 3 (compulsory elective)
Examiner
David Pallarès- Professor, Energy Technology, Space, Earth and Environment
Eligibility
General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Specific entry requirements
The same as for the programme that owns the course.Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Course specific prerequisites
Thermodynamics and a basic energy course
Aim
To provide theoretical knowledge in heat transfer and applied knowledge on energy conversion forms where heat transfer is a key phenomenon (i.e. thermal conversion, which constitutes the main type of energy conversion worldwide). This is achieved by, among others, labs in an industrial environment (the combustion and district heating plant at Chalmers).Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- Explain the principle behind thermal conduction, and how diffusive heat transfer is affected by geometry, material properties and fouling- Explain the principle behind thermal convection, and how convective heat transfer is affected by the flow mechanics of a boundary layer
- Explain the principle behind radiation, and how radiative heat transfer is affected by geometry and material properties
- Describe the mass and energy balances in an energy plant
- Explain the principle behind the main types of heat exchangers
- Explain and describe the principles for measuring temperature, emissions pressure, flow rates, as used in a combustion plant
- Explain the principle behind the main types of solar panels
- Solve energy problems where several heat transfer mechanisms interact
- Solve energy problems where heat exchangers are involved (NTU method, LMT method)
- Solve energy problems in the form of calculations of emissions, excess air and flue gas
- Solve energy problems in the form of calculations of solar plants with varying solar income combined with energy storage
Content
This course in Thermal Energy Conversion is the natural continuation of the part on energy technology given in the course Thermodynamics and Energy Technology.Thermal energy conversion is a key part of both the current and the future energy system, as it is used to convert primary energy (e.g. fuel or solar radiation) into more useful forms of energy such as heat, electricity, biogas or biofuels for the transport sector.
Heat transfer plays a key role in thermal energy conversion and constitutes the theoretical ground of the course. All three heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection and radiation) are described on the basis of physical principles, and after that their application to technical solutions is studied (e.g. heat and power plants, heat exchangers and solar collectors). The course also includes exercises and a design task, which all focus on problem solving with the intention to illustrate the theory presented in the lectures.
The main challenge in solar energy, the intermittency of solar radiation, is the focus of the design task in the course. Solutions including thermal energy storage are evaluated through dynamical calculations in order to attain the optimal design with the given specifications.
The course has an applied focus where the labs are carried out at the energy research plant at Chalmers (a commercial-scale combustion and gasification plant) and its peripherals, in order to provide a practical way to study various energy conversion processes in an industrial environment and apply the theoretical aspects of the course.
Measurement technology is crucial for the evaluation of the thermal and environmental performance of a plant. Therefore, the course includes training in how to, in a critical way, measure flow, temperature, pressure and gas composition - important elements that the next generation of engineers will face in real plants.
Organisation
LecturesExercises
Laboratory exercises (compulsory, in group)
Design exercises (compulsory, in group)
Quiz which can give bonus points for the examination
Literature
Principles of Heat and Mass Transfer, global edition, Incropera et al.
Compendium in Measurement Techniques
Compendium in Combustion Technology
Examination including compulsory elements
Approved written examination (including quiz bonus points)Approved design task
Approved laboratory reports and presence on the laboratory exercises
The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.