Course Overview
This course begins with a review of the fundamentals of thermodynamics such as heat transfer, ideal cycles, thermal efficiency, heat balance and dual combustion cycle (i.e. gas cycles/engine analysis). In the course, students will learn the second law of thermodynamics and will be introduced to entropy. Properties of vapours using steam tables, Rankine cycle, steam turbines, Brayton cycle, gas turbines, boilers and combustion equations, refrigeration/air conditioning and vapour compression cycle are covered.
Prerequisite(s)
- Transport Canada, STCW Fourth-Class Motor Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency, and a minimum of four months of sea time as engineer officer of the watch.
Credits
6.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define “entropy" and draw a T-s diagram, for the isothermal, adiabatic, and polytropic processes, solve problems using the second law of thermodynamics and entropy equation.
- Calculate enthalpy, internal energy, and volume of water substance in the following states, using steam tables: saturated vapour, dry vapour, intermediate vapour of dryness fraction, and superheated vapour.
- Determine boiler efficiency and capacity from given data.
- Sketch diagrammatically, and on a T-s diagram, the Rankine cycle and carry out calculations.
- Construct the velocity vector diagrams for steam turbines and carry out calculations.
- Sketch diagrammatically, and on a T-s diagram, the Brayton cycle and carry out calculations.
- Derive the combustion equations of hydro-carbon fuels and use those equations to calculate the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio of given fuels, calculate their higher and lower calorific values, and perform an analysis of the flue gas contents.
- Illustrate diagrammatically, and on T-s and p-h diagrams, the components of a reversed heat engine cycle, and describe its operation, solve problems related to vapour compression cycle.
- Measure the wet and dry bulb temperatures, humidity and dew point to chart out the ideal comfort zone on the psychrometric chart.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Advanced Thermodynamics (MEOC 5010) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Transportation
- Marine Engineering
Advanced Diploma Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.