MEC450: Advanced Energy and Power

Sustainable, decarbonisation of the power generation industry is a world-wide problem and the UK is at the forefront of developing technologies to mitigate climate change. It is important that our next generation of engineers and technology leaders have a sound grounding in the science and engineering that will play a major role in controlling the over-heating of our planet over the next 50 years or so.

Prof Bill Nimmo, Module Lead

Module Description
This module will introduce students to the rapidly changing landscape of conventional power generation. The course will provide a greater depth and range of specialist knowledge for advanced plant design for the future including carbon capture. This will provide a foundation for leadership and a wider appreciation of future conventional power station design. 

Students will become knowledgeable in the sources of pollutants and mitigation techniques employed by the industry and a wider appreciation of social and environmental considerations. The course will permit the students to engage in fundamental design of key components in power generation (burners, boilers) as well as in the simulation of carbon capture plant.

Required Prior Knowledge
If you haven't already learnt about the following subjects, you will struggle to pass this module:
Basic levels of chemistry knowledge will assist in the module. For example, concepts of mass and energy balances will be developed in combustion and carbon capture, so basic knowledge of enthalpy and molar quantities would be useful, but could be learned in the module with individual study. Good computer skills required. A basic knowledge of spreadsheet calculation (eg Excel) essential.

Teaching Methods
The module is designed with an interactive approach during workshop sessions where there will be opportunity to discuss topics in person with teaching staff, on an individual basis or in small groups. Typically, questions raised that have general interest to the class will be shared and discussed across the class. This approach allows multiple feedback opportunities during the learning of the topics.

• Traditional lectures
• Computer workshops
• Tutorials and walk-in sessions
• Independent study

Assessment Methods
100% Coursework - Substantially by numerical calculation with some descriptive writing.

Module Aims
• Introduce students to the rapidly changing landscape of conventional
power generation.
• Students will become knowledgeable in the sources of pollutants and study, at depth, low carbon technology for decarbonising conventional power generation including CO2 capture.• Give students a wider appreciation of the understanding of combustion theory and explosion mitigation through case study analysis.