MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGM06 – Heat Transfer and Heat Systems
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Taught by:
MECHGM06
MECHM007
Heat Transfer and Heat Systems
M
15/6
September
March
Dr Suen (50%) Module Coordinator
Dr Ducci (50%)
Prerequisites
Completion of second year Thermodynamics (MECH2004)
Course Aims
For the heat transfer part, three modes of heat transfer will be studied, and the heat systems
part deals with refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
At the end of the course students will be able to:
 Evaluate the thermal radiation heat transfer between surfaces.
 Solve one-dimensional steady state conduction problems by applying the heat balance equation
and using thermal resistances through linear, cylindrical and spherical geometries.
 Determine the heat transfer occurring through a series of fins and their performance.
 Analyse convection problems and determine convection coefficients in external flow conditions,
flat plate, cylinder, tube bundles and in internal flow conditions, circular and concentric circular
tubes
 Design and dimension a heat exchanger system both by using the notions acquired in the previous
points and by applying the NTU-ε method or the log mean temperature difference method
 Understand the operation of a vapour compression refrigeration system and how its
operation and performance depend on various internal parameters and ambient
conditions.
 Select appropriate refrigerant for a given application, characterize and choose suitable
components from catalogues to balance a refrigeration system according to certain
design specifications.
 Have a solid understanding of the Psychrometry of air conditioning processes and be
able to choose optimum supply design conditions by using notions of sensible heat,
latent heat and room ratio line.
Method of Instruction
Lecture presentations, tutorial classes and one piece of course assignment. Parts of the lecture notes
(Slides and tutorials) are made available in Moodle after the lecture.
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:
 Written Examination (2 hours, 65%)
 A critical review/ appraisal of a chosen topic (e.g. a review of FDD methodologies in
HVAC&R, a review of modelling and simulation techniques in HVAC&R or write a section
of a book chapter on refrigerants.)
To pass this course, students must:
 Obtain an overall pass mark of 50% for all sections combined
The examination rubric is:
Answer THREE questions, from FIVE offered. All questions carry equal weight.
Resources

Gosney W B, Principles of Refrigeration, Cambridge University Press, 1982.
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Stoecker W F and Jones J W, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, McGraw-Hill, 1982.

Fundamentals of heat and mass transfer”, Incropera, Dewitt, Bergman and
Lavine, 6th Edition, John Wiley & sons Inc.
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
Convection heat transfer, Bejan, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & sons Inc.
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Air Conditioning engineering, WP Jones, 5th Edition, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning: analysis and design, McQuiston, Parker and
Spitler, 6th edition, John Wiley & sons Inc.
Additional Information
Module title under review.
Content (total number of lecture and tutorial hours approx. 44 hours)
Thermal Radiation
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Black and grey body radiation
View factor
Thermal radiation exchange between surfaces
Radiation shields
Conduction
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The conduction rate equation and heat diffusion equations
Boundary and initial conditions
One-dimensional steady state conduction
Thermal and contact resistance
Conduction with thermal energy generation
Heat transfer from extended surfaces
A general conduction analysis
Fin Performance
Overall Surface efficiency
Convection
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The convection boundary layers
The velocity boundary layer
The thermal boundary layer
Local and averaged convection coefficients
Laminar and turbulent flow
The boundary layer equations
Boundary Layer similarity
Boundary Layer analogies
The Reynolds Analogy
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External Flow
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The flat plate in parallel flow
Turbulent flow over an isothermal plate
Mixed boundary layer conditions
Flat plate with constant heat flux conditions
Methodology for a convection calculations
The cylinder in cross flow
Flow across banks of tubes
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Internal Flow
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Hydrodynamic considerations
Flow conditions
Velocity profile in the fully developed region
Pressure gradient and friction factor in fully developed flow
Thermal considerations
Fully developed conditions
The energy balance
Constant surface heat flux
Constant surface temperature
Convection correlations
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Heat exchangers
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Heat exchangers types
The overall heat transfer coefficient
Heat exchanger analysis: Log mean temperature difference and Effectiveness –NTU method
Heat exchanger design and performance calculations
Refrigeration
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Introduction to vapour compression refrigeration/heat pump cycle
Refrigerant properties, selection and application
Evaporator and condenser : types and characterization
Compressor types and characterization
System analysis and balancing
Air Conditioning
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Meaning and Need and for Air Conditioning
Comfort conditioning
Industrial conditioning
Psychrometry of air conditioning processes
The pyschrometric chart
Choice of supply design conditions
Sensible and latent heat removal
The slope of the room ratio line
Examples of air conditioning systems
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Learning Outcomes1 MECHGM06, MECHGR06, MECHM007
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
N/A
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
As with all taught modules on the programme a significant amount of self learning is expected. The
critical review report requires self study and time management.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
N/A
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
The module is designed to present new subject matter at M level understanding of which is then
tested by an exam and a critical review of a specified topic ( e.g. Review of FDD methodologies in
HVAC&R, a review of modelling and simulation techniques in HVAC&R or a review of
unconventional/hybrid refrigeration systems).
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
Although many students will have studied thermodynamics material (i.e. basic refrigeration cycle and
psychrometrics) at undergraduate level, the module is designed to cover more practical aspects on
refrigeration and air conditioning system design and evaluation, as well as additional topics on heat
transfer.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by, the
forefront of the specialisation.
The module particularly addresses the latest development and application of alternative
refrigerants for reducing the global warming impact of HVAC&R systems, as well as
refrigeration component/system optimization.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability
to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
This feature is developed in the coursework element where the students are asked to write a critical
review of a specified topic (e.g. Review of FDD methodologies in HVAC&R, a review of modelling and
simulation techniques in HVAC&R or a review of unconventional/hybrid refrigeration systems).
Understanding in many relevant and related disciplines is required. Interaction with course
supervisor at various stages is essential.
1 EAB website http://www.engab.org.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than MEng last
accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
New concepts/approaches are studied and evaluated in the coursework element of the module.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Students are taught how to evaluate different design options for optimization based on
product/component information, meeting client’s specifications.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
N/A
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
N/A
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations,
and how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
N/A
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
N/A
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
A significant part of this module addresses the latest development and practice in
refrigerant selection regarding GWP and ODP issues.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
N/A
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
N/A
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