CE1THT-Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Maria Vahdati
Email: m.m.vahdati@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the theory and application of thermodynamics and heat transfer in Architectural Engineering and preparing students to the next level of studying energy and environmental systems in the built environment. Students study and explore different forms of heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy, thermodynamic cycles and develop problem-solving skills essential to good engineering practice for analysing heat transfer and using principles of thermodynamics in real-world applications.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide students with the principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics and enable them to analyse the thermodynamic systems and heat transfer processes.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles and laws of thermodynamics and to explore the implications of these principles for studying behaviour of thermal systems,  


• Analyse various thermodynamic cycles and systems through numerical problems


• Explain the fundamental principles and laws of heat transfer and to explore the implications of these principles for studying behaviour of thermal systems,  


• Analyse simple heat transfer systems


• Analyse one-dimensional steady-state conduction heat transfer by applying the heat balance equation,

Additional outcomes:

• To understand the practical applications of thermodynamics

• To Identify the dominant heat transfer mechanisms and qualitative estimation of their  importance,

Outline content:

• Heat and other forms of energy


• Concept of a thermodynamic system and control volume


• Laws of thermodynamics


• Thermodynamic cycles


• An introduction to irreversibility and availability


• Energy balance for closed systems and steady-flow systems


• Heat transfer mechanisms, conduction, convection and radiation


• Steady heat conduction


• One-dimensional heat conduction


• Simultaneous heat transfer mechanisms


• Heat exchangers


• Brief introduction to numerical methods for heat transfer

Global context:

The skills and knowledge that students will acquire from this module have global applications.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module will be by means of lectures and tutorials. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study.

Independent study hours needed depend on the learning style of each individual. The following guide for independent study hours is just an example.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Tutorials		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		19
Wider reading (directed)		5
Exam revision/preparation			15
Peer assisted learning		5
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for tutorials		6
Preparation for presentations		4
Revision and preparation		4
Reflection		2
Total hours by term	0	85	15
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment by examination will be based on a 2-hour examination in May/June.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be an oral assessment and presentation in week 11 of the spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

This module includes formative assessment of a set of exercises and problem-solving practices about heat transfer processes and thermodynamic analysis that will be discussed in tutorial sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark 0f 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who have failed in their first attempt will be provided with an opportunity to re-sit in a two-hour re-examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023