Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There from Coursera

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles you will ever learn - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form. We will introduce the tools you need to analyze energy systems from solar panels, to engines, to insulated coffee mugs. More specifically, we will cover the topics of mass and energy conservation principles; first law analysis of control mass and control volume systems; properties and behavior of pure substances; and applications to thermodynamic systems operating at steady state conditions.

COURSE FORMAT

The class consists of lecture videos, which average 8 to 12 minutes in length. The videos include integrated In-Video Quiz questions. There are also quizzes at the end of each section, which include problems to practice your analytical skills that are not part of video lectures. There are no exams.

GRADING POLICY

Each question is worth 1 point. A correct answer is worth +1 point. An incorrect answer is worth 0 points. There is no partial credit. You can attempt each quiz up to three times every 8 hours, with an unlimited number of total attempts. The number of questions that need to be answered correctly to pass are displayed at the beginning of each quiz. Following the Mastery Learning model, students must pass all 8 practice quizzes with a score of 80% or higher in order to complete the course.

ESTIMATED WORKLOAD

If you follow the suggested deadlines, lectures and quizzes will each take approximately ~3 hours per week each, for a total of ~6 hours per week.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Basic undergraduate engineering or science student.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

- What are the prerequisites for taking this course?

An introductory background (high school or first year college level) in chemistry, physics, and calculus will help you be successful in this class.

-What will this class prepare me for in the academic world?

Thermodynamics is a prerequisite for many follow-on courses, like heat transfer, internal combustion engines, propulsion, and gas dynamics, to name a few.

-What will this class prepare me for in the real world?

Energy is one of the top challenges we face as a global society. Energy demands are deeply tied to the other major challenges of clean water, health, food resources, and poverty. Understanding how energy systems work is key to understanding how to meet all these needs around the world. Because energy demands are only increasing, this course also provides the foundation for many rewarding professional careers.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

In this module, we frame the context of energy and power supply and demand around the world. You will learn that understanding and correctly using units are critical skills for successfully analyzing energy systems. It is also important to be able to identify and categorize systems as “open” or “closed” and “steady state” or “transient”. Thermodynamics is a topic that is very notation intense, but the notation is very helpful as a check on our assumptions and our mathematics. Additionally, in this module we will refresh our understanding of some common thermodynamic properties.

Week 2

In this module, we will get started with the fundamental definitions for energy transfer, including the definitions of work transfer and heat transfer. We will also show (by example) how state diagrams are valuable for explaining energy transfer processes. Then, we have all the tools we need to define the 1st Law of Thermodynamics also called the Conservation of Energy. Your second assignment will emphasize these principles and skills.

Week 3

In this module, we introduce our first abstract concepts of thermodynamics properties – including the specific heats, internal energy, and enthalpy. It will take some time for you to become familiar with what these properties represent and how we use these properties. For example, internal energy and enthalpy are related to temperature and pressure, but they are two distinct thermodynamic properties. One of the hardest concepts of thermodynamics is relating the independent thermodynamic properties to each other. We have to become experts at these state relations in order to be successful in our analysis of energy systems. There are several common approximations, including the ideal gas model, which we will use in this class. The key to determining thermodynamic properties is practice, practice, practice! Do as many examples as you can.

Week 4

In this module we introduce the combined application of the Conservation of Mass and the Conservation of Energy for system analysis. We also review the common assumptions for typical energy transfer devices, like heat exchangers, pumps and turbines. Together these components will form the basis for all power plants used around the world.

Week 5

In this module, we tackle some of the most difficult systems to analyze – transient or time-varying systems. Any system where the energy transfer changes as a function of time requires transient analysis. Not only are these difficult problems to analyze, they are also difficult systems to design and interrogate. Some important transient problems include the start-up of a gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. Such transients are becoming more integral to the electrical power grid due to the introduction of more renewable power sources which are also more intermittent. These are very relevant and timely topics for the stationary power sector.

Week 6

In this module, we introduce some of the concepts of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. We will only discuss a small fraction of the vast material that falls under the topic of the Second Law. I encourage you to explore beyond our course material for very interesting discussions on the outcomes of the Second Law which include entropy, the absolute temperature scale and Carnot cycles. The most important aspect for our class, is that the Second Law provides a basis for defining the theoretical maximums and minimums for processes. Using these limits, we can define device and system efficiencies. We demonstrate these limits with examples of basic power plants. A good “take-home” exercise is to apply these limits to some of the devices and systems you see every day around you.

Week 7

In this module we focus on in-depth analysis of a Rankine power plant. The Rankine power plant is the fundamental design for stationary power generation when the working fluid is water (or steam) and the energy carrier is nuclear, coal, gas, or thermal solar power. We also learn that conventional power plants generate a lot of waste heat! Co-generation is a great way to use that waste heat. Can you think of a few ways you might capture waste heat and use it productively? Then you might have your next environmentally sustainable business venture!

Week 8

In this module, we have a brief discussion of energy carriers – including fossil fuels and battery materials. These lectures highlight the thermodynamic properties of these energy carriers and storage materials that make these systems so attractive and at the same time, so difficult to replace. As this is our last module of the course, I hope you have enjoyed this Introduction to Thermodynamics and that you have learned some new skills. Good luck on all your adventures in energy systems!,

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops the principles of thermodynamics and energy conversion, which are core skills for engineering and science students

Taught by Margaret Wooldridge, a recognized expert in thermodynamics and energy systems

Explores the application of thermodynamics to real-world systems, such as power plants and renewable energy

Requires no formal prerequisites, making it accessible to students of varying backgrounds

Assesses learning through practice quizzes and does not include exams

Targeted towards basic undergraduate engineering or science students and may not be suitable for advanced learners

Reviews summary

Thermodynamics: energy transfer

learners say this is a largely positive introduction to thermodynamics that builds strong foundations in key concepts. They especially appreciate the engaging assignments and the excellent instructor, Margaret Wooldridge. The course is well received for its clear explanations, practical examples, and real-life applications. While some reviewers note that the course is theory-heavy, most agree that it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in energy systems and processes.

The course focuses on energy transfer, which is a key concept in thermodynamics. Learners will gain a deep understanding of how energy is transferred and used.

"A good course for engineering students. It teaches thermodynamics in an efficient and simple way and give a good foundation to those who wants to explore the energy sector. "

"By end of this course i've learnt more about the energy transfer in different medium.This course helped me to clear my concept about what is the role of energy in jet engine."

"The course was best though, the content was incredible. I learned alot of new things from this course. And specially the instructor was best. Hope more courses from Margarate."

The course shows how thermodynamics is applied in real-world settings, such as power generation and engine design.

"Great course for thermodynamics foundation.Left this course 6 months ago. Finally, completed it today!"

"Excellent course. A recommended course for every mechanical or thermal engineering students. Thank you."

"This course had alot of unnecessary discussion about fuel consumption which I think is not needed here.This wanted almost 80% of week 8."

The engaging assignments help reinforce the concepts learned in the lectures. The quizzes are challenging but fair.

"The assignments are simply superb which enhanced my subject grip. thankyou coursera! will be doing more"

"I really appreciate the number of excercises in this course. This helps me a lot with the theoretical topics that have been explained. "

"This helped me a lot because it is my requirement in my chemistry course. Ms. Margaret is a good professor and I learned a lot from her."

The course clears up basic concepts in thermodynamics, like energy transfer and the laws of thermodynamics.

"It's a useful and interesting course for beginners."

"It was very helpful and well explained course."

"This course had alot of unnecessary discussion about fuel consumption which I think is not needed here.This wanted almost 80% of week 8."

Instructor Margaret Wooldridge is knowledgeable and engaging. Her clear explanations and real-life examples make the material easy to understand.

"Excellent..... really to rebrush and review thermodynamics this course was awesome and nicest.Thanks Mam!!!"

"Prof. Margaret Wooldridge is an amazing teacher. she is always enthusiastic in lectures. great work by her."

"Best lecture i ever had in thermodynamics, also the basics are introduced and explained in easily understandable form.thank you professor"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There with these activities:

Read: Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach, 5th Edition

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Read the selected chapters of the textbook to refresh your understanding of thermodynamics concepts and prepare for the course material.

View Loose Leaf for Thermodynamics: An Engineering... on Amazon

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Review the Table of Contents and identify relevant chapters.
Read selected chapters thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete end-of-chapter exercises and problems to test your comprehension.

Energy Balance Calculations Practice

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Strengthen your understanding of the first law of thermodynamics by solving practice problems involving energy balance calculations.

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Review the concepts of energy transfer, work, and heat.
Identify the system and surroundings for each problem.
Apply the first law of thermodynamics to set up energy balance equations.
Solve for unknown variables, such as heat transfer, work, or internal energy change.
Check your answers for reasonableness and consistency.

Follow Khan Academy Thermodynamics Tutorials

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Supplement your understanding of thermodynamics principles by following guided tutorials that provide clear explanations and interactive examples.

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Visit the Khan Academy website and navigate to the Thermodynamics section.
Watch videos and complete interactive exercises on the basics of thermodynamics.
Focus on topics aligned with the course curriculum, such as laws of thermodynamics and types of systems.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Summary of Thermodynamic Properties

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Enhance your grasp of thermodynamic properties by creating a comprehensive summary.

Browse courses on Thermodynamic Properties

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Gather information from lecture notes, textbooks, and online resources.
Define and explain key thermodynamic properties, including specific heats, enthalpy, and internal energy.
Provide examples and applications of these properties in engineering systems.
Organize your summary in a clear and concise manner.
Review and refine your summary to ensure understanding.

Solve Thermodynamics Practice Problems

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Reinforce your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of thermodynamic concepts by practicing with a variety of problems.

Browse courses on Heat Transfer

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Gather practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or lecture notes.
Set aside dedicated time for practice, aiming to solve a specific number of problems.
Work through problems step-by-step, ensuring you understand the underlying principles.
Compare your solutions to provided answers or consult with classmates or instructors for feedback.

Attend a Thermodynamics Workshop or Conference

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Expand your knowledge and network with professionals in the field by attending a specialized thermodynamics workshop or conference.

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Research and identify relevant workshops or conferences.
Register for the event and prepare to actively participate.
Attend sessions, take notes, and engage in discussions with speakers and attendees.

Design a Thermodynamic System Diagram

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Apply your knowledge of thermodynamic systems by designing a detailed diagram that represents a specific process or application.

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Select a specific thermodynamic process or application to focus on.
Research and gather information about the system components and processes involved.
Create a schematic diagram using appropriate symbols and notations to represent the system.
Label and annotate the diagram to clearly explain the flow of energy and matter through the system.

Contribute to OpenThermodynamics

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Engage with the thermodynamics community and contribute to the advancement of knowledge by participating in open-source projects related to thermodynamics.

Browse courses on Open Source Software

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Explore open-source projects and identify areas where you can contribute.
Report bugs or suggest improvements to existing code.
Write documentation or tutorials to help others use thermodynamics software.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers are responsible for the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas resources, which are essential to meeting global energy demands. This course provides a foundation in thermodynamics, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of these resources and designing efficient extraction and processing systems. Topics such as energy transfer, conservation laws, and thermodynamic properties are directly applicable to the work of Petroleum Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and operate nuclear power plants, which generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases. Thermodynamics plays a vital role in this field, as it helps engineers understand the heat transfer processes, fluid dynamics, and material properties involved in nuclear reactor design and operation. This course provides a strong foundation in these concepts, enabling Nuclear Engineers to contribute to the development of safe and efficient nuclear energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain a wide range of machines, from cars to airplanes to medical devices. Thermodynamics is fundamental to this field, as it helps engineers analyze energy conversion processes, optimize system efficiency, and design components that operate reliably under various conditions. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of thermodynamic principles, enabling Mechanical Engineers to excel in their work.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, construct, and operate plants and processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. Thermodynamics is essential for understanding the chemical reactions, phase transitions, and energy balances involved in these processes. This course provides a solid foundation in thermodynamic principles and their applications, enabling Chemical Engineers to optimize plant design and operation, ensuring efficient and sustainable production.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Thermodynamics is crucial in this field, as it helps engineers analyze propulsion systems, design thermal protection systems, and understand the effects of temperature and pressure on aircraft performance. This course provides a strong foundation in thermodynamic principles, enabling Aerospace Engineers to contribute to the advancement of air and space travel.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy. Thermodynamics plays a role in understanding energy efficiency, emissions, and the behavior of environmental systems. This course provides a basic understanding of thermodynamic principles, which can be helpful for Environmental Engineers in analyzing and mitigating environmental impacts.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists develop and characterize new materials for various applications, including energy storage, electronics, and aerospace. Thermodynamics helps understand the relationships between material properties, processing conditions, and performance. This course provides a foundation in thermodynamic principles, enabling Materials Scientists to design and optimize materials for specific applications.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in healthcare and medicine. Thermodynamics plays a role in understanding the thermal aspects of medical devices, biomaterials, and biological systems. This course provides a basic understanding of thermodynamic principles, which may be helpful for Biomedical Engineers in designing and evaluating medical technologies.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. Thermodynamics is not a major focus in this field, but it can be helpful in understanding the behavior of materials under different temperature and pressure conditions. This course provides a basic introduction to thermodynamic principles, which may be useful for certain aspects of Civil Engineering, such as designing thermal insulation systems or analyzing the effects of temperature on structural components.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and devices. Thermodynamics is not directly applicable to most aspects of this field, but it may be helpful in understanding the thermal management of electrical components and systems. This course provides a basic introduction to thermodynamic principles, which may be useful for certain aspects of Electrical Engineering, such as designing cooling systems for electronic devices or analyzing the efficiency of power plants.

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Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design and build computer systems and software. Thermodynamics is not relevant to most aspects of this field. This course is unlikely to be useful for Computer Engineers.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate and make recommendations on investments. Thermodynamics is not relevant to this field. This course is unlikely to be useful for Financial Analysts.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Thermodynamics is not relevant to this field. This course is unlikely to be useful for Software Engineers.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve business problems. Thermodynamics is not relevant to this field. This course is unlikely to be useful for Data Scientists.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Thermodynamics is not relevant to this field. This course is unlikely to be useful for Marketing Managers.

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