Introduction

Thermodynamics is a fundamental branch of mechanical engineering that deals with the study of energy conversion and the principles governing the behavior of heat, work, and energy. This course focuses on thermodynamic systems, their properties, and the application of thermodynamic laws to real-world engineering problems. It is essential for engineers in various industries such as power generation, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC, as it forms the foundation for designing and analyzing energy systems, engines, refrigeration cycles, and more. This course provides a robust understanding of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and the application of thermodynamics in energy systems.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the core principles of thermodynamics and how they apply to mechanical systems.
2. Learn the laws of thermodynamics: first law (energy conservation), second law (entropy), and third law.
3. Analyze thermodynamic cycles such as Carnot, Rankine, and Refrigeration cycles.
4. Evaluate real-world systems for energy efficiency, including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and heat pumps.
5. Apply the concepts of entropy, enthalpy, and exergy in the analysis of energy systems.
6. Solve practical problems involving heat engines, refrigerators, and heat exchangers.
7. Gain proficiency in using thermodynamic charts and software tools for system analysis.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Mechanical Engineers involved in the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal systems.
• Aerospace Engineers working on jet engines, rocket propulsion, and energy conversion systems.
• Power Generation Engineers focused on the operation of turbines, steam engines, and power plants.
• HVAC Engineers working on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Automotive Engineers interested in internal combustion engines and fuel efficiency.
• Engineering Students seeking to deepen their understanding of thermodynamic principles.
• Energy Sector Professionals involved in energy efficiency analysis and optimization.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Thermodynamics and the First Law

• Module 1.1: Overview of Thermodynamics

  • Definition of thermodynamics and its role in mechanical engineering.
  • Key concepts: system, surroundings, and state.
  • Types of thermodynamic systems: closed, open, and isolated systems.

• Module 1.2: The First Law of Thermodynamics (Energy Conservation)

  • Internal energy and the concept of work and heat.
  • Mathematical formulation of the first law: $\Delta U=Q-W$.
  • Energy balance for closed systems and applications in heat engines.

• Module 1.3: Hands-On Session

  • Solving practical problems on energy conservation in thermodynamic systems.
  • Use of steam tables and P-V diagrams to analyze real-world examples.

Day 2: The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy

• Module 2.1: The Second Law of Thermodynamics

  • Introduction to entropy and the direction of natural processes.
  • Heat engines and the concept of reversibility and irreversibility.
  • Mathematical expression of the second law: Clausius inequality.

• Module 2.2: Entropy and Its Application

  • The concept of entropy and its relationship with heat.
  • Entropy changes in various processes: isothermal, adiabatic, and polytropic.
  • Entropy in cyclic processes: Carnot cycle, Rankine cycle, and refrigeration cycles.

• Module 2.3: Hands-On Session

  • Solving entropy and heat transfer problems for various thermodynamic cycles.
  • Using Mollier diagrams (h-s diagrams) for analyzing entropy changes in real-world processes.

Day 3: Thermodynamic Cycles

• Module 3.1: Introduction to Thermodynamic Cycles

  • The concept of thermodynamic cycles and their applications in engines and power generation.
  • Carnot cycle: the ideal heat engine cycle.
  • Rankine cycle: for steam engines and power plants.

• Module 3.2: Gas Power Cycles

  • Otto cycle: for internal combustion engines (gasoline engines).
  • Diesel cycle: for diesel engines.
  • Brayton cycle: for gas turbines and jet engines.
  • Efficiency of each cycle and real-world applications.

• Module 3.3: Refrigeration and Heat Pumps

  • Refrigeration cycles: working principle of vapor-compression and absorption refrigeration.
  • Heat pump systems: working and efficiency.
  • Coefficient of performance (COP) for refrigeration and heat pump systems.

• Module 3.4: Hands-On Session

  • Solving cycle efficiency problems: Carnot, Rankine, Otto, Diesel, and Brayton cycles.
  • Using performance charts for engine cycles and heat pumps.

Day 4: Exergy, Enthalpy, and Practical Applications

• Module 4.1: Exergy Analysis

  • The concept of exergy: useful work obtainable from a system.
  • Exergy and irreversibility in real-world processes.
  • Exergy loss and its implications for energy efficiency in engineering systems.

• Module 4.2: Enthalpy and Enthalpy Changes

  • Enthalpy in thermodynamic systems: its role in energy transfer.
  • Enthalpy change in different processes: isenthalpic, adiabatic, and isentropic processes.
  • Use of enthalpy in steam and gas turbines, and heat exchangers.

• Module 4.3: Hands-On Session

  • Solving exergy analysis problems in power generation and heat recovery systems.
  • Enthalpy change calculations using steam tables and enthalpy diagrams.

Day 5: Applications in Mechanical Engineering Systems

• Module 5.1: Thermodynamics in Power Generation

  • Analysis of steam turbines, gas turbines, and combined cycle systems.
  • Efficiency improvement techniques: regeneration, reheat cycles, and combined heat and power (CHP).

• Module 5.2: Thermodynamics in Automotive and Aerospace Engineering

  • Thermodynamics in internal combustion engines and electric vehicle systems.
  • Jet propulsion and rocket engines: thermodynamic analysis of propulsion systems.
  • Fuel efficiency and emissions in automotive systems.

• Module 5.3: Thermodynamics in HVAC and Refrigeration

  • Thermodynamics in heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems.
  • Refrigerant cycles and their performance analysis.
  • Energy efficiency in building systems and industrial refrigeration.

• Module 5.4: Hands-On Session

  • Case studies in power generation and automotive systems.
  • Simulation tools to model and solve thermodynamic problems in real-world applications.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of engineering mathematics (calculus, algebra).
• Familiarity with basic mechanical principles (force, work, energy).

Course Takeaways

✅ In-depth understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and their application in mechanical systems.
✅ Hands-on experience in analyzing thermodynamic cycles and energy efficiency.
✅ Proficiency in solving entropy, enthalpy, and exergy analysis problems.
✅ Knowledge of real-world applications in power generation, automotive, HVAC, and aerospace systems.
✅ Ability to design and analyze energy systems and optimize their performance for maximum efficiency.