Formative Assignment for Computational Thermodynamics in Modern Energy Systems

Task 1: Comparison of Renewable Technology with Nuclear Power Generation

The assignment is divided into three tasks it is highly recommended that candidates attempt all of these. The assignment is intended to assesses particular methods and approaches employed by candidates [1], with a rationale for Assessment for Learning (AfL). To this end a number of workshops with instruction given in the use of Engineering Equation Solver (EES) will be conducted. The first task, accounts 20% of this assignment, requires candidates to develop a computational model evident in the literature [2, 3] as well as compare of this renewable technology with nuclear power generation. The bulk of the modelling work is to be conducted in Task 2 which accounts for 40% of the assignment, here two specific designs are to be analysed using EES. For the final task, accounting for the remaining 40% of the assignment, candidates should report their findings producing a high quality formal report to demonstrate a mastery in computational thermodynamics.

This formative assignment should produce sufficient evidence for partial fulfillment of the following module learning outcomes:
• Apply principles of computational thermodynamics to modern energy systems.
• Critically evaluate integrated power systems and different sources of energy.
• Analyse performance of different energy conversion technologies.
• Design, integrate and analyse energy systems for specific uses.

On the title page of any submitted work a plagiarism/integrity statement should be in included, e.g.: This assignment has
not been submitted before at this or any other educational establishment of learning in the support of a degree of any other
award. As per the University module descriptor (MP4709) the module assignment will be worth 60% of the module, with
the final on-line examination scheduled for January making up the remaining remaining 40%. The first five video lectures
and three worksheets have been specifically designed to support this assignment.

Candidates should submit a single electronic soft-copy, in an non-editable format (e.g. Portable Document Format) through the portal located on the Assignment Tab of the module space. As with all academic work the reference section must be adherence to with our preferred Vancouver (or Harvard) standard [4]. The main sections of the final submission should contain between 1500 and 2500 words, with a penalty of 10% implemented for each 250 words outside this range. Any extra material not directly related to the demonstration/achievement of the module descriptor learning outcomes (e.g. EES commands) should be include in an appendix. It is advised that the final submitted document take the form of a structured report as described in the third task of this brief. The marks for each task are indicated in parenthesis whilst marks for particular parts of a task are indicated in brackets. An exemplar report has also been included in the same part of module space as this brief.

Task 2: Analysing Specific Designs Using EES

• This assignment uses an Assessment for Learning philosophy which means that most of the learning will take place throughout
the preparation of this assignment. There are numerous learning opportunities located in each of the contents folders of the
on-line module Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), consisting of:
– On-line video lectures
It is highly recommended that you view the first six (6) of these activities prior to submitting the final essay.
– Interactive worksheets
– Learning objectives survey

• In preparation for the modelling work to be conducted, it is strongly recommended that candidates view Prof Rangel’s last five lectures from his excellent course Introduction to Thermodynamics at the University of California in Irvine1, in addition to reading Chapter 8 of the text.

• You will be provided opportunities to join the John Tyndall Institute (JTi) research support drop-in sessions from 1600 each Friday throughout the assessment process, viz.
– 19 November, 3 and 17 December: on-line through the website by entering the code.
– 26 November and 10 December: face-to-face in Computing and Technology building room CM033.
These sessions will allow you to discuss your assignments with active JTi research active staff members and our thriving research student community.

• There is a LyX template available in same assignment folder of the module space as this assignment brief. This template contains all the necessary generic section breaks suggested for the essay, these should be amended to be more specific to your particular research topic.

• For support with using library resources, please contact: Mr Bob Frost You will find links to lots of useful resources in the My Library tab in the VLE.
• It is imperative that all citations used throughout your essay are fully peer reviewed papers or text-books, under no circum stances should you refer to a websites. Therefore they should all be sourced from the Engineering Library Resources Page This can be located form the link or through the My Library Tab of the VLE.

• If you have not yet made the university aware of any disability, specific learning difficulty, long-term health or mental health condition, please complete a Disclosure Form. The Inclusive Support team will then contact to discuss reasonable adjustments  and support relating to any disability. For more information, visit the Inclusive Support site.

• If you have any other query or require further support you can contact The <i>, The Student Information and Support
Centre. Speak with us for advice on accessing all the University services as well as the Library services. Whatever your
query, our expert staff will be able to help and support you. For more information , how to contact us and our opening hours
visit Student Information and Support Centre.

• If you have any valid mitigating circumstances that mean you cannot meet an assessment submission deadline and you wish to request an extension, you will need to apply online prior to the deadline Disclaimer: The information provided in this assessment brief is correct at time of publication. In the unlikely event that any changes are deemed necessary, they will be communicated clearly via E-mail and a new version of this assessment brief will be circulated.