EMTS1400 Thermodynamics Course description

Thermodynamics is a theory about the relationships between energy, heat and work. In this course the student will to acquire fundamental knowledge about thermodynamics. Central themes are the laws of thermodynamics, phase transitions and humid air. The applications are related to energy transport in technical systems, such as heat pumps, cooling machines, motors (heat engines) and other devices relevant to the study.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing this course, the student has the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can:

• explain what a thermodynamic system is and can determine whether a system is isolated, closed or open.
• explain what is meant by work, heat and internal energy in thermodynamics.
• explain the content of the 1st and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics.
• explain the difference between reversible and irreversible processes.
• explain what entropy is a measure of.
• utilize the properties of state functions (eg enthalpy, entropy and internal energy) in calculations.
• explain what is meant by a thermal power machine in thermodynamics and know the examples of heat engines from daily life.
• explain the behavior of heat pumps down to component level.
• explain the term humidity, including specific and absolute humidity.
• reproduce and explain the contents of the phase diagram.
• explain how the Mollier diagram is used.
• describe phase transitions.

Skills

The student can:

• calculate the energy transferred between the system and the environment in reversible and irreversible processes, e.g. in terms of work and heat.
• use equations of state in calculations
• calculate entropy differences for reversible and irreversible processes, e.g. in a heat pump.
• calculate the efficiency of heat engines, power factor for cooling machines and COP for heat pumps.
• calculate relative and absolute humidity.
• determine the dew point when calculating and using the Mollier chart.​​

General competence

The student can:

• identify issues where thermodynamics can be used.
• evaluate the quality of their own and others' work within thermodynamics.
• communicate in an academically correct and precise manner about thermodynamic issues.

Lectures and exercises. During the lectures, the subject matter is presented, and the students will participate in problem solving, discussions and collaboration.

The content of the exercises includes practice in problem solving, individually or in collaboration with others. The subject teacher is present and provides help and guidance.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• 6 of 8 submissions
• 1 lab assignment in groups

Individual written exam, 3 hours.

The exam result can be appealed.

A resit or rescheduled exam may take the form of an oral exam. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the result cannot be appealed.

All printed and written aids, as well as a calculator. MATLAB if possible technically.

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.