Admission requirements
Prior knowledge of Analyse 1 (NA), Analyse 2 (NA), Analyse 3 NA. Statistical Physics 1 is highly recommended
Description
In this course you develop a Physicist's toolkit to understanding (sustainable) energy resources: You get a working knowledge of Thermodynamics and 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); the Hydrodynamics equations are derived, examined in limiting cases and solved for simple set-ups. However, the emphasis is in making these tractable and on applying them to representative problems (in lectures and exercises) and to one of the most pressing challenges facing society, that of sustainable energy (in project work).
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 in collaboration with a group of students following a similar course in a University abroad.
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
Understand phase transitions and analyse the TD cycles based on phase transitions of water
Analyse 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 energy losses due to different transport mechanisms.
Make estimates of resources requirements of different energy extraction technologies and evaluate the merit of different energy sources based on quantitative comparisons.
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
Lectures, Exercise classes and Project work in groups
For more information see Brightspace
Assesment method
Exam (70%), project work (case study, report, and presentation) (30%)
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
Lecture notes.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.