Admission Requirements
An1(na), An2(na); Statistical Physics 1 recommended but not required
Description
In this course you develop a Physicist's toolkit to understanding sustainable energy resources: You get a working knowledge of Thermodynamics and you are introduced to Hydrodynamics.
The fundamentals of the course would appeal to the theoretically inclined: the Thermodynamics is presented in its theoretical framework (with proofs and derivations where applicable); it is the only course at BSc level that deals with Hydrodynamics and non-linear differential equations. However, the emphasis is in making these tractable and on applying them to one of the most pressing challenges facing society, that of sustainable energy.
In particular, the course tackles:
the fundamentals of Thermodynamics and how these apply to energy extraction (e.g., efficiencies of heat engines and forms of energy)
the hydrodynamic equations and their simplified versions that are applicable to power from wind and water.
energy transport (conduction, convection, radiation)
The material is treated in lectures and exercise classes. You apply the framework to a sustainable energy source in a group project.
Course objectives
Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to
State the Thermodynamic laws and apply them to classical thermal cycle problems
Derive and apply Thermodynamic relations to describe gasses
Analyze and characterize fluid flows and work out problems of elementary hydrodynamics
Use dimensional analysis to gain insight into hydrodynamic equations and different energy sources and energy conversion systems.
Calculate the energy efficiency of energy conversion stages.
Use Thermodynamic potentials, derive and apply Maxwell's relations
Have an understanding of the phase transitions of water
Calculate energy gains from energy sources.
Calculate energy losses due to different transport mechanisms.
Make estimates of resources requirements of different energy extraction technologies.
Evaluate the merit of different energy sources based on quantitative comparisons.
Transferable skills
You will
Work in groups.
Work on a project (case study) unsupervised, to clear goals, plan and deadlines
Identify relevant trade literature and use it selectively
Prepare a report of an analysis
Present the report in class
Create a exam-type question/problem on the topics of the course.
Timetable
Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
Mode of Instruction
See Brightspace
Course load
3EC equivalent to 84 hours
Assessment method
Exam (70%); project work (case study, report, and presentation) (30%)
Brightspace
Registration for Brightspace occurs via uSis by registration for a class activity using a class number
Reading list
Lecture notes.