IRM20513 Thermodynamics (Autumn 2024)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Compulsory course in Bachelor's degree in engineering - mechanical: digital construction and robotics, as well as for TRESS and the Y-path associated with this study program.

Recommended requirements

IRF13018 Fundamental physics and chemistry for engineers

Lecture Semester

3rd semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge:

The student has extensive knowledge of:

• Properties of pure substances, phase equilibrium, and equations of state
• The energy law for closed systems
• The energy law for an open system with steady flow
• Entropy, state changes, cycle processes, reversible and irreversible processes
• Cycle processes for power generation and cooling
• Otto, diesel, and gas turbine processes
• Refrigeration systems and heat pumps
• Heat transfer and heat exchangers

Skills:

The student conducts energy analysis, dimensioning of simple thermal processes, selection of working medium, and calculates energy utilization.

General Competence:

The student applies knowledge to optimize energy production, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the utilization of renewable energy sources. They can write concise technical reports in an academic manner.

Content

The course will provide an introduction to the following topics:

• Thermodynamic concepts and definitions
• Thermodynamic systems and properties
• Dimensional analysis, energy terminology, thermodynamics, and heat transfer, thermal machines (steam and gas engines, compressors), and facilities for energy production, including hydropower and district heating systems
• Global and Norwegian energy situation. Alternative energy sources globally and for partial coverage of Norwegian energy needs
• Equations of state for the gas phase. Tables for thermodynamic properties
• Work and heat
• The first law of thermodynamics, cycle processes, state changes, internal energy, enthalpy, specific heat
• Open systems (control volumes), closed systems, steady processes
• The second law of thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible processes
• Carnot process, the thermodynamic temperature scale, entropy
• Cycle processes for power generation and cooling
• Combustion
• Rankine, Otto, and Diesel processes
• Gas turbines, combined power plants
• New renewable energy sources (water, sun, wind, wave, tidal, salinity gradient)
• Refrigeration systems and heat pumps
• Heat transfer, conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers
• Academic writing of technical reports

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is taught through lectures, self-study, the preparation of technical reports, and mandatory exercises. Technical reports may be related to practical workshop activities. As part of the teaching, students are expected to participate in company visits. Topics covered during company visits may be examined in the assessments.

Workload

250-300 hours

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Approved 70% of mandatory exercises distributed over 15 assignments.

Submitted completed project assignment across subjects in the third semester.

Participation in one company visit.

The requirements must be approved before the student can present themselves for the exam.

Examination

Will be announced

Examiners

External and internal examiner or two internal examiners.

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

Re-exam is held early in the following semester. Technical reports can be revised once. More information about re-exams can be found her. 

Course evaluation

Continuous evaluation of the teaching throughout the semester, where the evaluation method is agreed upon between the instructor(s) and students. Written final evaluation of the course.