College of Engineering and Build

Environment

Introduction

Undertaking this assignment will enable you to disseminate your design and
analyse to a wider audience through articulation in the form of a technical
report or essay. It will also allow you to apply this knowledge through the use of
logic, deep-research for undertaking engineering design analysis, followed by
analytical decisions based on achieved results.

Completion of this assignment will provide an element of Professional

Development through improvement in: writing accurately and effectively in a
Technical Report format, providing data analysis and interpolation process,
interpretation of numerical information, as well as developing sufficient
mathematical and data analysis skills.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this assignment, the student should be able to:

1. Critically appraise the design and application of operating principles of power

plants including power plant efficiency and waste.

2. Apply the techniques used in the design and operating principles of air
refrigeration systems in response to specified requirements.

3. Critically analyse and evaluate internal combustion engines and apply

techniques relating to performance characteristics enhancement.

The Brief

This portfolio is made up of three parts:

Part 1

(i) Carry out an engine test on a four stroke petrol engine using a trunnion
mounted hydraulic dynamometer. Complete the following:

(a) Draw the ideal Otto cycle

(b) Fuel mass flowrate
(c) Air consumption
(d) Fuel consumption
(e) Air/fuel ratio
(f) Volumetric efficiency
(g) Heat energy
(h) Enthalpy
(i) Thermal efficiency
(j) Brake mean effective pressure
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Environment
(10 Marks)
(ii) Based on the equations used in parts (a) through to (j) carry out research
to find methods to improve on the following: (1) the volumetric efficiency
and (2) the thermal efficiency of the engine. Provide at least two methods
for each.
(20 Marks)

Part 2

(i) A system is based on the Rankine cycle. The steam produced by the
boiler
is 35 bar and 470C. The condenser pressure is 0.075 bar. Assume
isentropic expansion. Ignore the power input to the pump. Complete the
following:

(a) Draw the enthalpy/entropy diagram

(b) Dryness fraction
(c) Energy input
(d) Energy output
(e) Thermal efficiency
(10 Marks)

(ii) Some methods listed below are used to improve the thermal efficiency of
the Rankine cycle. Select two, research them and explain the principle
behind each method and apply each method to the system above.
Calculate the improvement in efficiency (Note: Some values may need to
be estimated or assumed through research)

(a) Reheat
(b) Back pressure turbines
(c) Pass-out turbines
(d) Regenerative cycle
(e) Combined heat and power
(15 Marks)

(iii) The above system is coupled to an electrical generator. Carry out

research
to estimate the maximum electrical output the system can produce.
Justify
your answer by showing all calculations.
(5 Marks)

Part 3

(a) Select an appropriate diagram and fully explain the refrigeration cycle in
thermodynamic terms. (20 Marks)

A refrigerator operates on a vapour-compression cycle with refrigerant-

134a, as the working fluid, between an evaporator temperature of -10C
and a condenser temperature of 30C. Calculate the following:
 College of Engineering and Build
(b) Environment
Coefficient of performance
(5 Marks)
(c) Heat transfer to the evaporator (5 Marks)
(d) Explain the coefficient of performance (5 Marks)
(e) What is the benefit of using a cascade system? (5 Marks)

Formal Report

This should be a technical report or essay of maximum 3000 words. It should

be a reflection on the research design parameters, propose design, hand
calculation (result and critical analysis), conclusion and recommendation of
improving the design if applicable. It is up to you how you interpret this; it should
be based on critical reflection of this assignment. It may be that you wish to
include experiences/opportunities you see in your work place or the real world.
You may wish to research triumphs/failures of power plant and how they relate
to your experience in this assignment.

Reading Materials
Module lecture and support notes.
See also module reading list
Please do look on the Thermodynamics books and Journal papers.
Note: These sources are guides only to commonly available material. Students
will also be expected to consult other relevant source material.

Submission Requirements
e-Submission.

In order to reduce unnecessary travel and queuing time for students, the
University has moved to electronic submission (eSubmission) of all assignments
where this is possible. Your tutor will advise you if this is not the case for the
assignments of this module.

Start by taking a look at the eSub website www.derby.ac.uk/esub as this is the

main site supporting students with eSubmission and provides support
documents and videos to talk you through the whole process.

You will also find a printable guide in the Assessments area of your module
called Electronic Submission Guide for Students this will talk you through the
submission process and guide you to further resources to help you submit your
work.
Your report must be submitted by uploading through the Report Assignment
drop box for Turnitin before the date and time stated on the cover sheet.
 College of Engineering and Build
Environment
Submission Date
Refer to front sheet.

REGULATIONS
The module conforms fully to the UG/FD regulatory framework:

http://www.derby.ac.uk/academic-regulations

Lectures and Tutorials Guidance: This module is structured with lecturers

and practical sessions; you will be expected to attend them all.

Risk Assessment: For the classroom based teaching, a Risk Assessment has
been carried out by the University identifying the significant hazards and
risks within this environment. These will be communicated to you by the
lecturer / technician during the first lecture / session.

Late Submissions: There are No automatic right to late submission with a

capped mark of 40%. However, the University acknowledges that there may
be circumstances which prevent students from meeting deadlines and there
are now three distinct processes in place to deal with differing student
circumstances:

1) Assessed Extended Deadline (AED): Students with disabilities or long term

health issues are entitled to a Support Plan. The Support Plan will outline
any adjustments to assessments which are required to accommodate an
individual students needs. For further details refer to the link:
http://www.derby.ac.uk/studentatozHE/support-plans

2) Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances (EEC): The EEC policy applies

to situations where serious, unforeseen circumstances prevent the student
from completing the assignment on time or to the normal standard.
Students who submit a successful EEC claim will usually be required to
complete a different assessment to that which was originally set. All EEC
claims will be considered by Faculty/UDC panels, which will convene on a
monthly basis. For further details refer to the link:
http://www.derby.ac.uk/eec

3) Late Submission up to One Week: Covering unexpected and severe

disruption to study, where circumstances do not require the additional time
allowed for by an EEC, the Late Submission process enables students to
complete their existing assessment up to one week late, without a cap on the
grade. Requests for late submission will be made to the relevant Subject
Manager in the School who can authorise an extension of up to a maximum
of one week. The Subject Manager will expect to see compelling evidence
that such an extension is appropriate.
 College of Engineering and Technology

Undergraduate Marking Scale: This scale applies to Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 in

the University Credit Framework. The descriptors are typical characteristics of
the standard of work associated with each range of marks. The descriptors are
illustrative and for guidance only. They are not comprehensive. A mark of 40%
is regarded as a minimum pass.