Thermofluids for Sustainability
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
NEF2101 - Fluid Mechanics 1; and
NEF1007 - Thermodynamics for Engineers; or
NEF1202 - Engineering Physics 2
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, you will explore how thermodynamics and fluid mechanics combine to drive modern energy and mechanical systems. You will analyse how energy is converted, transferred, and optimised within practical applications such as power generation, heating, cooling, and renewable energy technologies. By examining efficiency, losses, and system performance, you will develop the analytical and technical skills to design cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable engineering solutions.
The unit emphasises safe operation, environmental responsibility, and innovation in low-carbon energy design. Through experimental investigation, simulation, and collaborative analysis, you will strengthen your ability to evaluate and communicate the performance of thermofluid systems that meet contemporary engineering and sustainability goals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Apply thermodynamic and fluid-mechanical principles to analyse how energy is converted, transferred, and conserved within engineered energy systems;
- Evaluate the operational behaviour, performance characteristics, and overall efficiency of thermofluid systems;
- Perform detailed energy and exergy analyses to identify losses, optimise system efficiency, and improve resource utilisation in thermofluid applications;
- Investigate the behaviour and performance of thermofluid systems by integrating experimental, analytical, and computational methods and
- Exemplify collaborative skills to communicate thermofluid system evaluations that consider environmental, ethical, and human-centred implications.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Laboratory Work | Grade: 15%
Experimental investigation and analysis of thermofluid systems, focusing on turbine performance, heat transfer, and system efficiency report (Group) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 35%
Sustainable energy system design study (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 50%
Problem-solving task on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid-mechanics principles in sustainable energy contexts (Individual) (120 mins)
Laboratory Work: This secure assessment ensures authenticity by requiring students to perform and document laboratory investigations on thermofluid systems under supervised conditions. Experimental analysis, data interpretation, and comparison with theoretical models verify individual and team understanding.
Project: Group design study analysing and evaluating a sustainable energy or thermal system. Students assess system performance, efficiency, and sustainability metrics through collaborative research and simulation. Individual contributions are evaluated through milestone reviews and team documentation.
Test: This secure invigilated test ensures authenticity by requiring students to solve analytical and applied problems across thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Unpredictable problem sets confirm each student’s independent understanding and professional reasoning. This progression of assessment mirrors the workflow of professional engineers in analysis, design, and validation.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):