Thermofluids for Sustainability

Unit code: NEM3002 | Study level: Undergraduate

Credit points

(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

NEM3001 - Aero-Hydrodynamics; or

NEF2101 - Fluid Mechanics 1; and

NEF1007 - Thermodynamics for Engineers; or

NEF1202 - Engineering Physics 2

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

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):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)

NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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