Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
AR30215: Energy, power supply and the environment |
 Credits:
| 3 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take AR10041 and take AR20061 |
| Description: | Aims: Efficient use of energy, both in construction and in use, is an important factor in the design of civil engineering projects. Generation of electrical power is an important area of civil engineering, an important factor in energy use in buildings, and for some technologies a major problem in clearing up problems afterwards. This unit aims to provide students with a knowledge of the generation and distribution of electricity, an understanding of the fundamental thermodynamic limitations of what can be done, and a broader knowledge of sources of energy and means of storage of energy. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the unit the student should be able to: * give a brief explanation of means of converting other forms of energy into electrical power; * explain the material and environmental costs of a range of technologies using each of these means, and the inherent limitations on efficiencies; * give a brief explanation of the efficiency of converting electricity into other forms of energy - electric motors, pumps, heating and cooling; * explain technologies available for storage of electrical energy, considering the efficiency of storage and recovery; * explain the losses associated with power distribution over different distances, and the means employed for minimising those losses; - discuss the advantages and disadvantages of local generation of electricity, storage of energy, and regional, national and international electricity distribution. * discuss the global environmental implications of energy consumption and alternative supplies. The student will also be able to demonstrate: * a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of this field of study; * conceptual understanding. Skills: A sophisticated understanding of energy issues and their particular relevance to civil engineering. Content: The world's energy usage for developed and developing nations - the importance of power generation. Basic units for electricity and power. Electromagnetic theory. AC power generation, phasor diagram, power factor, three phase supply, transformer characteristics, Electricity distribution. The thermodynamics of power generation - 1st and 2nd Law considerations. Fossil fuels and their combustion - the resultant emissions. Efficient means of generating power using fossil fuels and heat engines. The effect on the environment e.g. the contribution to the Earth's heating load, the greenhouse effect and acid rain. Energy resources and the need to conserve fossil fuels. Nuclear fission power - advantages and disadvantages Discussion of state of development, costs and prospects for alternative energy sources: solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal, biomass, waste, nuclear fusion. |