Detailed module information
Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.
The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.
Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook, for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.
Future Clean Transport Technology
Module aims
FCTT has 2 main sub-modules. Thermal Propusion Systems covers design and underlying thermofluid and combustion processes in IC engines, and the need for reduced CO2 and pollutant emissions. Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems covers design of hybrid, electric and fuel cell powered vehicles and underlying engineering science, including system design of battery packs and fuel cell systems.
ECTS = 10
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
1. Construct simple physical and computational models of processes occurring in IC engines, hybrid-electric powertrains and energy storage systems.
2. Discuss, using appropriate terminology, drivers for development in thermal and hybrid-electric propulsion systems and the extent to which available technologies provide appropriate solutions.
3. Assess the future of competing propulsion systems in the land transport sector.
4. Organise and gather information and solve problems using information technology within individual and group projects.
Module syllabus
Thermal Propulsion Systems: IC Engine Fundamentals; Combustion System; Air System.
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems: Introduction to hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicle technology; Introduction to electrochemistry; Battery pack design; Fuel cell system design; Transport systems.
Project 1: Design choices to improve engine eff. based on gas cycle analysis; Project 2: Introduction to turbocharger matching;
Project 3: Project on hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Guest lectures.
Teaching methods
Students will be introduced to the main topics through lectures (2hrs per week), including guest lectures, supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panapto and Blackboard). Tutorials sessions (8 in total) will provide an opportunity for interaction with teaching staff where you can discuss specific problems. Learning is supported by three group projects:
Project 1: Design choices to improve engine efficiency based on gas cycle analysis
Project 2: Introduction to turbocharger matching
Project 3: Hybrid-Electric Propulsions Systems.
Assessments
| Assessment details | ||||
| Pass mark | ||||
| Grading method | Numeric | 50% | ||
| Assessments | ||||
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Pass mark | Must pass? |
| Examination | 3 Hour exam | 50% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | Project 1 (group project on gas cycle analysis) | 17% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | Project 2 (group project on turbocharger matching | 17% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | Project 3 (group project on hybrid-electric propulsion systems) | 17% | 50% | N |