Energy physics and Technology

Aim
This course aims to provide an insight into the physics behind various energy technologies. It allows students to gain knowledge pertaining to practical energy conversion devices, their efficiency, their technology maturity along with their potential for improvement, and future technologies with their prospects; also a consideration of the sustainable use of materials in order to reduce the demand for energy in manufacturing.

Content
During the semester students are expected to deepen their subject knowledge in: the extraction of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) along with their processing ready for subsequent use, the physics and chemistry of combustion including thermodynamic laws and energy concepts, the formation of pollutants, internal combustion engines (including steam turbines and heat engines) along with possibilities for heat recovery, the impact of pollutants on the environment, the conversion of light into electrical power and associated solar technologies, the design and aerodynamics of wind energy devices, nuclear and fusion reactor physics and aspects of proliferation and, the energy demands that the use of materials creates. A common theme is that the student will be given a comprehensive explanation of the physics pertaining to current devices and factors that affect their design, the state of current knowledge, and future predictions with possible implementations.

On completion of the course the student should be able to, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student

• understands and can describe the physics of various energy conversion processes
• can demonstrate an expanded knowledge on various topics and challenges related to all stages between the sourcing and the harnessing of various sources of energy; and
• shows a critical awareness of and be able to explain societal aspects of energy conversion including health and environmental issues

Skills

The student

• critically understands the principals which govern the design of energy harnessing devices and, on a fundamental level, be able to offer design evaluations including a consideration of the embedded energy and energy required to manufacture a device
• make assessments through calculation of the energy available or produced from a system or device in various scenarios

General competence

The student:

• can communicate with engineers, technologists and scientists about the physics and design of energy conversion equipment in a critical and informed manner