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151-1633-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-BAUG , D-GESS
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Energy Conversion

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ilya Karlin, Prof. Dr. Giovanni Sansavini
This course is intended for students outside of D-MAVT.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:43

Abstract

This course provides the students with an introduction to thermodynamics and energy conversion. Students shall gain basic understanding of energy and energy interactions as well as their link to energy conversion technologies.

Objective

Thermodynamics is key to understanding and use of energy conversion processes in Nature and technology. Main objective of this course is to give a compact introduction into basics of Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic states and thermodynamic processes; Work and Heat; First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Students shall learn how to use energy balance equation in the analysis of power cycles and shall be able to evaluate efficiency of internal combustion engines, gas turbines and steam power plants. The course shall extensively use thermodynamic charts to building up students’ intuition about opportunities and restrictions to increase useful work output of energy conversion. Thermodynamic functions such as entropy, enthalpy and free enthalpy shall be used to understand chemical and phase equilibrium. The course also gives introduction to refrigeration cycles, combustion and refrigeration. The course compactly covers the standard course of thermodynamics for engineers, with additional topics of a general physics interest (nonideal gas equation of state and Joule-Thomson effect) also included.

Content

1. Thermodynamic systems, states and state variables 2. Properties of substances: Water, air and ideal gas 3. Energy conservation in closed and open systems: work, internal energy, heat and enthalpy 4. Second law of thermodynamics and entropy 5. Energy analysis of steam power cycles 6. Energy analysis of gas power cycles 7. Refrigeration and heat pump cycles 8. Nonideal gas equation of state and Joule-Thomson effect 9. Maximal work and exergy 10. Mixtures 11. Chemical reactions and combustion systems; chemical and phase equilibrium

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides and supplementary documentation will be available online.

Literature

Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, by Cengel, Y. A. and Boles, M. A., McGraw Hill

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 150 minutes
Aids
Midterm exam: One A4 sheet both sides of own summary.Final exam: Two A4 sheets both sides of own summary.
- One interim examination; 60 minutes; optional; 30% of the final grade if it improves the final grade; in early November.- Final session examination; 120 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Energy Conversion
  • Mon 10:15-13:00 (NO C 6)
  • 08.11 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG D 1.1)
  • 20.12 Date 10:15-13:00 (HG D 1.1)
3 h weekly

Offered In