ME 142: Thermal Environmental Control (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The course will focus on analysis of thermodynamics and transport phenomena associated with a broad spectrum of thermal control applications. Emphasis will be on application of theoretical concepts to the design of advanced thermal control systems. Topics covered will include enhanced vapor compression heat pumps, gas compression cycles, psychrometrics, cooling towers, dessicant cooling, absorption refrigeration, Joule-Thompson cooling, cryogenics, thermoelectric cooling, heat exchangers, heat pipes, and advanced insulation concepts. Applications in thermal control of buildings, automobiles, spacecraft, and electronics will be discussed.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
105 or equivalent; 106, 109 (may be taken concurrently).
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL
ASHRAE fundamentals and lecture notes.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
A course that teaches the fundamentals of air conditioning design with the end result of being able to calculate heating and cooling loads in different structures from structure and inhabitants information. The course also teaches fundamentals of refrigeration system design.
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
The ability to function as a practical air condtioning engineer.
TOPICS COVERED
A) Review of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer
B) Fundamentals of physiological thermal control (Thermal confort)
C) Psychrometry
D) Heat transfer through structures (conduction, convection, air-exchange, radiation, basements)
E) Heating and cooling loads
D) AC systems
F) Refrigeration systems (when time permits)
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
Prepares for a substantial part of the PE
license exam.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
This course gives the student
an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics,
science and engineering;
an ability to design a system, component,
or process to meet desired needs within realistic
constraints such as economic, environmental, social,
political, ethical, health and safety,
manufacturability, and sustainability;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an ability to communicate effectively; and
a knowledge of contemporary issues.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
Mid-term, Final and a semester long project in the HVAC field.
Typical projects:
evaluate of the HVAC needs of the building in which the class is held,
design an HVAC system for your room in the dorm,
design of a portable HVAC system for a tent.
