STUDY

This module provides you with an overview of a wide-range of energy production systems in current use as well as those in development. The module will provide you with an overview of the technological, economic, social and political aspects associated with energy engineering and operations. These are used to discuss environmental concerns (particularly climate change) arising from the use of fossil fuels, and the potentially profound implications of future fuel (energy) scarcity (insecurity).

This module is to enable you to gain knowledge of the main principles of product design along with the methodologies and techniques used in industry and its sustainable development. You will gain an understanding of what a project is and the role of a project manager, learning how to plan design activities, set up, control and execute, and carry out reviews of a design project. You will gain a technical understanding of some of the relevant theories used in designing components and the specific phenomena that lead to the failure of components when designing certain systems.

Modern manufacturing facilities have a need for efficient power distribution systems to meet a range of load requirements. There is also a need for electrical drive control systems to be designed to match their load and make the most efficient use of costly electrical energy. This module will introduce you to the analysis of modern power distribution systems as well as a range of control methods that enable the matching of both DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) machines to their respective loads.

This module assumes no previous knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering and is intended to provide the learners with a fundamental understanding of the use of Computer Aided Engineering. Within the design of engineering components and systems there is a growing importance for the use of CAD and Modelling Software. The Computer Aided Engineering module is a skill based module and will be assessed on as a pass or fail basis. The learner will use software to analyse the performance of different designs for components and be able carry out modifications to optimise their performance.

This module focuses upon the design features, operation and operating characteristics of gas turbines, steam turbines and combined heat and power plant used in power generation as well as the underpinning theories that transfer across to automotive and aeronautical engineering. The module will cover the applied thermo-fluids theory for various types of power generation equipment, such as the heat transfer in heat exchangers, the fluid flow for steam turbines and combustion process within gas turbines.

The honours project requires you to investigate a topic of your own choice and enables you to apply and further develop the knowledge and skills gained through the study of other Modules. You will have the opportunity to develop project management skills such as planning, design, analysis and critical evaluation and involves independent study under the guidance of a research supervisor.