Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 

1. Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics in the analysis of:
   1. Rankine and Brayton power cycles
   2. Refrigeration machinery
   3. Heat pump systems
2. Evaluate energy consumption and/or production a various thermal systems.
3. Determine the efficiency of thermodynamic cycles.
4. Identify cycle components and describe their function.
5. Draw cycle and temperature-enthalpy diagrams.
6. Discuss the appropriateness of using different types of refrigerants and working fluids in various applications.
7. Use a psychrometric chart to determine properties of moist air.
8. Predict products of combustion processes using stoichiometric analysis.
9. Use the “fan laws” to analyze and size air distribution systems.

Student progress will be measured by performance on homework and on objective mid-term examinations covering appropriate types of problems. A comprehensive final exam will also be administered.

Themes, Concepts, and Issues:
 

1. Many civil and mechanical engineering technology students are employed in the Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry.
2. Mechanical and civil engineering technology graduates employed in the energy fields must be able to perform thermodynamic analysis.
3. Graduates employed in other areas need to be conversant with thermal terms and relationships to interface with energy professionals.
4. The concepts of heat flow apply to many engineering technology areas.
5. Air distributing equipment is used in many types of engineering projects.
6. Air directing products of combustion gases is important to civil engineering technology students involved in environmental analysis.

Content:
 

1. Basic vapor power cycles.
2. Advanced vapor power cycles.
3. Gas power systems.
4. Refrigeration cycles.
5. Heat pumps.
6. Ideal gas mixtures.
7. Properties of moist air.
8. Psychrometric analysis of HVAC systems.
9. Combustion reactions.
10. Fans and air distribution systems.

Competencies and Skills:
Students will be able to:
 

1. Understand thermodynamics terminology.
2. Interpret thermodynamic charts and tables.
3. Draw thermal diagrams and graphs.
4. Work with an energy analysis and design team.
5. Apply first and second laws of thermodynamics to thermal systems.
6. Determine energy use and efficiency of thermodynamic cycles.
7. Select proper equipment for use in thermal systems.
8. Determine energy consumption and size air distribution equipment.