ME 3105 - Applied Thermodynamics

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits

• Explain the characteristics and differences among reciprocating engine cycles
• Perform energy balances on processes used to model reciprocating engine cycles
• Calculate reciprocating engine performance parameters
• Apply partial differential relations to develop thermodynamic property relations
• Use Maxwell relations to solve thermodynamic problems
• Calculate thermodynamic properties of gas mixtures
• Evaluate relative humidity by using the psychrometric chart
• Balance combustion reactions involving hydrocarbon fuels
• Perform energy balances on combustion processes
• Calculate the adiabatic flame temperature for combustion processes
• Use exhaust gas measurements to determine air fuel mixtures in combustion systems
• Assess the impact of combustion parameters on pollutant emissions and control
• Explain the current status and relative importance of different forms of renewable energy systems including solar, wind, and biomass
• Design an experiment for performance characterization of an energy supply system

• Multivariable calculus
• Differential equations
• 1st law analysis
• 2nd law analysis
• Power and refrigeration cycles
• Heat transfer

• Overview of reciprocating engines
• Otto cycle
• Diesel cycle
• Dual cycle
• Engine design and performance parameters including IMEP, BMEP, friction work, bsfc, volumetric efficiency
• Thermodynamic property relations
• Partial differential relations
• Developing property relations
• Maxwell relations
• Clapeyron equation
• Joule-Thomson coefficient
• Gas mixtures
• Mass and mole fractions
• Properties of gas mixtures
• Psychrometerics and air conditioning
• Relative humidity
• Dew-point temperature
• Web-bulb temperature
• The psychrometric chart
• Air conditioning processes
• Chemical reactions
• Balancing combustion reactions
• Air fuel ratio
• Equivalence ratio
• Exhaust gas analysis for determining air fuel ratio
• Enthalpy of formation, enthalpy of combustion, and heating values
• First-law analysis of reacting systems
• Adiabatic flame temperature
• Pollutant emissions and control from combustion systems
• Overview of renewable energy systems
• Design and performance of one or more of the following: solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, wind energy systems, biomass energy systems

• Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) reciprocating engine performance
• Cogeneration system performance characterization
• Design of an energy systems experiment

Other labs:

• Hydrogen fuel cell performance
• Vapor compression refrigeration performance
• Solar photovoltaic system performance
• Solar thermal system performance parameter modeling, characterization,  and validation
• Modeling and validation of a lumped capacitance transient energy system
• Psychrometric processes