The aim of this course is to understand the thermodynamic basic processes that determine the performance of elementary engineering devices (piston.-cylinder assembly, valves, turbines, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers) and their integration in power or refrigeration cycles; and the basic principles related to heat transfer, present in any field of engineering (electronics, electrical and thermomechanical).
A the end of the course the student must be able to:
- Understand thermodynamic properties, diagrams and processes.
- Identify the basic elements of a thermodynamic system, their function and working conditions such as temperature and pressure.
- Apply the basic equations of the different components.
- Analyze the operation of a system that integrates those basic devices.
- Understand the different mechanisms involved in heat transfer.
- Apply basic laws of heat transfer.
As for the different competences acquired through the lectures, it is worth to distinguish between specific and general skills.
With regard to specific competences the student must be able to:
- Estimate efficiencies of simple engineering devices or systems.
- Calculate working temperatures and pressures.
- Estimate thermal and mechanical power demand/production in different processes or devices.
The general skills trained during the course are:
- Problem solving methodology.
- The identification of the relevant thermal information that characterize industrial installations.
- Applying thermodynamics and heat transfer principles to solve problems.
- Group work abilities (Overall collaborative work, and presentation)
After completing the course, the student should have:
- A critical attitude towards identifying and evaluating the operation of basic equipment of an installation.
- A collaborative attitude that will allow obtaining information and knowledge from other agents to perform complex tasks.