Application deadline

Type of course

Admission requirements

A relevant undergraduate bachelor Engineering programme with minimum 30 credits Mathematics/statistics topics

Application code: 9371

Course content

Heat Transfer, is a required course for building engineering and optional for electrical/mechanical engineering students. The course presents the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. One-dimensional steady and transient conduction is studied for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometries. The lumped capacitance analysis is used for transient conduction when appropriate. Analytical and numerical methods are presented for two-dimensional conduction problems, including the analysis of extended surfaces. Convection heat transfer is studied in both internal and external geometries and under laminar and turbulent flow regimes. External flows include cooling on flat plates due to laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows, and cooling of cylinders due to cross flow. The convection heat transfer analysis in internal flows considers laminar and turbulent pipe flows. Free convection is also considered where heat transfer is due to flow induced by fluid buoyancy. Radiation heat transfer is studied by considering both the general characteristics of radiation as well as the properties of radiating surfaces and radiation heat transfer between surfaces. Methods for solving multi-mode heat transfer are presented throughout the course. Heat exchangers and heat transfer from extended surfaces are two applications studied in the course.  The mass transfer will cover the movement of moisture and dampness in buildings.

The course provides understanding and tools to carry out the design and analysis of processes involving heat transfer and mass transfer.

Objectives of the course

The course develops fundamental knowledge and problem solving skills in the areas of heat transfer and mass transfer.  The course provides understanding and tools to carry out the design and analysis of processes involving heat transfer and mass transfer particularly application to buildings.

Knowledge

After completing the course the student will:

• understand the fundamental physical principles of heat and mass transfer with particularly application to buildings.
• have knowledge of equations applicable to heat transfer mechanisms in solids and fluids
• have knowledge of numerical and analytical methods to solve engineering problems in the field of heat transfer
• understanding of cooling and heating loads in HVAC applications
• understand mass transfer process in relation to moisture migration in  buildings

Skills

After completing the course the student will:

• Solve steady one-dimensional heat transfer problems analytically. Use resistance method to approximate solutions to composite geometries
• Calculate heat transfer coefficients for free and forced convections, external and internal flows
• Calculate radiative heat fluxes between surfaces of simple geometries
• Calculate gradient driven species mass fluxes i.e. moisture transfer in buildings
• Understanding moist air and use of Mollier/Psychometry chart

Competence

After completing the course the student:

• can apply heat and mass transfer knowledge to estimate heat losses in various applications particularly in buildings.
• can apply the knowledge and skills within heat transfer in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
• can communicate professionally about academic issues, analysis and conclusions in the field of heat and mass transfer
• can communicate with professional as well as general public on  various issues within the field of heat transfer by using the appropriate terminology 
• can contribute to innovative thinking to provide novel solutions to problems of energy savings and thermal performance of  buildings and thermal comfort

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

Mandatory assignments

One mandatory written assignment graded Pass or Non pass. Must pass to enter exam.

Examination and assessment

3-hour written exam. It is an open book exam, covering the whole syllabus. All questions are compulsory for maximum marks.

Examination graded according to the scale A - F, where A is the best result, and E is the lowest passing grade.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.

Recommended reading/syllabus

Textbook (Cengel Heat and Mass Transfer  (SI) ISBN: 9780071311120)

(Chap1-5, 11,13,14)

Supporting literature lectures, written assignments.

Syllabus will  covers the following:

Fundamentals

• Mechanisms of Heat transfer; conduction, Convection (free and forced)
• Radiation (black body, grey body, emission coefficients: various methods to calculate view factors, and net radiation between surfaces
• Boiling & condensation

Applications

• Heat loss in buildings: U-values, calculations of heat losses from building elements
• Calculation of convective heat transfer coefficient for natural and forced convection. Laminar and turbulent flow
• Heat exchanger
• Calculation of moisture condensation in building