Applied Thermodynamics and Energy Conversions

Course goals

• Basics of thermodynamics and heat transfer, i.e. instruments for carrying out a simplified, yet rigorous, thermodynamic analysis of an energy conversion technology
• Key features of energy technologies like combustion engines, gas turbines, steam and combined heat and power cycles, heat pumps, electricity generators, nuclear power plants.
• Capability of applying thermodynamic analysis to more advanced energy conversion systems, e.g. batteries, fuel cells in order to understand potential and limits of new technologies.
• Understanding of the physical limitations to conversion efficiencies and factors that affect the applicability of energy conversion technologies
• Capability of explaining how technological innovations can improve efficiencies and other characteristics of energy conversions

Content

The class provides instruments to understand energy technologies and to enable energy systems analysis. Especially, ATEC aims at forging the forma mentis required to develop a critical and rigorous thinking based on quantitative data. From this perspective, ATEC is preparatory for many of later courses. Central in this course are conversions of (especially) chemical energy stored in the form of fossil or renewable fuels to useful forms of energy for satisfying human needs (work, electricity and heat). To understand these conversions, we first dig into thermodynamic theory and develop the mathematical-physical framework required to analyze key energy conversion technologies. With these instruments, we will then see how heat can be transformed into mechanical power and electricity via different thermodynamic cycles (Rankine, Brayton) and what kind of technologies are adopted to this end, e.g. gas turbines, steam turbines, combustion engines. We will also see how electricity can be used to cool down or heat up an environment using refrigerators and heat pumps, respectively. Throughout this analysis, the concept of exergy is used to better understand limitations and opportunities for efficiency improvement. The basic principles of nuclear power plants are also topic in this course. Special attention will be paid to understanding the factors/parameters that influence the performance and applicability of energy conversion technologies and where and to which extent technological innovations can improve these. To this end, we will analyze new systems,  photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, microgrids and energy storage in batteries (..).

This course is an entry requirement for:

- Bachelors thesis GSS, track E&R (GEO3-2422)
- Bachelor thesis NWI, track E&T (GEO3-2275)
- Bachelor thesis LAS-IW, pakket E&T (GEO3-2275)