Power Engineering Technology

In Applied Mechanics I, you will explore the practical application of mechanics in the power plant; their application to turbines, compressors, pumps and other machines. You will study statics and dynamics, centripetal and centrifugal force, friction, lifting machines, work, power and energy. You will also investigate the strength of pressure vessels, first moments, second moments, centroids, shearing and bending; torsion, mechanical efficiency; shaft couplings, modulus of elasticity; modulus of rigidity; and strength of materials.

Equivalents:

• AMEC 310

AMEC 356 will introduce you to the practical application of fluid mechanics in the power plant, including turbines, compressors, pumps and other machines. Fluid properties, viscosity, pressure, forces in fluids and buoyant force will also be explored. In addition, you will learn Bernoulli’s equation in a fluid system; pipe and tubing; the continuity law; the general energy equation; pumps and fluid motors; Reynolds’ number for fluid flow; type of fluid flow (laminar and turbulent); various types of pumps (dynamic and positive displacement); net positive suction head (NPSH); pump affinity laws; energy losses in fluids due to friction; and Moody charts.

Pre-requisites:

• AMEC 306

Equivalents:

• AMEC 325

This course is designed to develop technical writing and presentation skills to ensure workplace readiness. Students will learn how to evaluate communication situations, analyze documents, assess research sources and develop organizational skills to apply in their work. They will learn about and practice designing, formatting and writing a range of professional documents. Students will also develop confidence (through practice) in the development and delivery of effective and engaging presentations.

This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information.

Equivalents:

• COMP 264

This introductory course is designed to present entry-level power engineering student the fundamental principles of electricity and electrical equipment. Predominately the material presented will reflect the operational requirements of electrical components and systems used in an industrial environment.

This is an introductory course that includes direct current theory and DC machines, alternating current theory, AC machines and AC systems. The course will also cover switchgears and safety, electrical calculations, industrial drawings, valves and actuators, control loops and strategies, instrument and control devices, distributed and logic control and boiler control systems. The labs supplement the theory by using electrical machines and control labs.

Pre-requisites:

• ELCT 254

Equivalents:

• CNTR 340

This is an intermediate course on alternating current theory; direct current machines; alternating current generators; alternating current motors; transformers; electrical system protection; measurement and control components; control instrumentation systems; combustion control and safeguards; environmental control methods; and air and gas compression.

Pre-requisites:

• ELCT 304

Equivalents:

• CNTR 345

This course enables the student to apply the basic knowledge of algebra and introductory calculus to resolve applied scientific and technological problems. Applications include linear motion, areas under curves, and volumes of revolution.

Equivalents:

• MATH 235
• MATH 1011

This course enables the student to apply advanced algebra, integral and differential calculus methodologies to scientific and technological applications. Topics include trigonometric and transcendental calculus, methods of integration, specifically integration by parts, by trigonometric substitution, and by use of tables. Applications include linear motion, areas under curves, volumes of revolution, centroids, moments of inertia, and program-relevant applications.

Pre-requisites:

• MATH 238

Equivalents:

• MATH 285

This course provides an introduction to the power engineering industry and background into the construction and development of boilers. A review of basic mathematics applications and an introduction to thermodynamic concepts are presented. Safety procedures for the workplace and environment are explored. The construction, components, operation and maintenance of steam boilers are also described. The course concludes with a discussion on boiler feedwater. The material in this course will help prepare you to write the ABSA 4th Class Part A exam.

The purpose of this course is to gain hands-on experience in the operation and/or maintenance of power plant equipment, contributing to the ABSA requirements for the Fourth Class Power Engineering Certificate. Following a safety orientation, instruction will be given concerning the identification, purpose, construction, pre-run checks, and start-up/shutdown procedure for various pieces of equipment. The students, under supervision, will operate a high pressure watertube boiler, various turbines, pumps and a low pressure firetube boiler. Boiler water sampling and treatment also will be demonstrated and then performed by students.

Corequsites:

• PENG 201

This course is a continuation of Power Theory I. Auxiliary equipment necessary for the operation of a boiler are explored, and the power sources used in the power engineer industry are described. In addition, an introduction to boiler controls and instrumentation is presented, along with refrigeration and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). Boiler maintenance is discussed, and refers to various tools and procedures used to operate equipment safely. The power engineering industry includes a number of different types of plants; in this course, hot oil systems, gas plants, pulp mills, food processing and sawmill plants are explored. This course will help prepare a candidate to write the ABSA 4th Class Part B Exam.

Pre-requisites:

• PENG 201

Equivalents:

• PWEN 276

The hands-on experience in Power Lab II continues from Power Lab I. The students will operate a low pressure and a hot water boiler, ammonia refrigeration system, reciprocating compressor and an internal combustion engine combined with a generator. Several campus tours will also occur to examine the practical application of some of the lab equipment. This lab leads to the completion of the practical experience requirement of operating power plant equipment for ABSA’s Fourth Class Power Engineering Examination.

Pre-requisites:

• PENG 203

ASME Code Sections I, II, IV, and VIII, calculations, Industrial Legislation and Codes, Metallurgy, Engineering Materials (welding and testing), Boiler classifications, design, control, circulation, details, construction and operation and maintenance. Fuels and combustion, fans and environment, ash handling systems; water treatment (analytical). Piping, support, expansion, codes, connections, and valves.

Pre-requisites:

• PENG 251

Equivalents:

• PWEN 326

This course examines the design, regulations, construction, performance and maintenance of various equipment found in industry, relating to power engineering.

Pre-requisites:

• PENG 301

Equivalents:

• PWEN 376

This course requires the preparation and presentation of an in-depth technical report. The student is expected to draw upon significant learning from various courses throughout the program.

Pre-requisites:

• AMEC 306
• COMM 238
• COMP 261
• ELCT 254
• ELCT 304
• MATH 238
• MATH 288
• PENG 201
• PENG 203
• PENG 251
• PENG 253
• PENG 301
• PWEN 282
• SFTY 215
• THRM 208
• THRM 258
• THRM 317
• THRM 319

Corequsites:

• AMEC 356
• ELCT 354
• PENG 351
• THRM 357
• THRM 359

This course will familiarize the students with the types of plants that a Power Engineer could be employed; Specific topics covered include hot oil systems, steam related food processes, gas plants, sour gas plants, refinery and upgrading, enhanced oil recovery, pulp mills and sawmills, and alternate energy production.

Equivalents:

• PROP 270

This course will provide you with an introduction to safety problems and safe practices in the power engineering workplace, and an appreciation of the potential environmental impact of air, water and noise. You will discuss the perception off risk, environmental responsibility and sustainable development, and relate safety to processes as it relates to pressures and temperatures in the lab.

Equivalents:

• ENVS 243

Density and pressure, temperature and heat, moments and forces, scalars and vectors, linear velocity and acceleration, force, work, pressure, power and energy, calorimetry, expansion and contraction, gas laws, laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamics of steam, and effects of throttling steam.

Equivalents:

• THRM 203

Steam properties and processes. Carnot and Rankine cycles, refrigeration properties and processes, psychrometric properties and air conditioning processes.

Pre-requisites:

• THRM 208

Equivalents:

• THRM 253

You will study the basic theory and application of thermodynamic principles used in Power Engineering. As part of this course you will perform calculations on heat transfer and cycle performance, and investigate turbine operation in a basic steam power plant.

Pre-requisites:

• THRM 258

In Thermodynamics Lab I, you will apply the theoretical knowledge you acquired in power and thermodynamics theory classes.

Pre-requisites:

• PENG 253
• THRM 258

In Thermodynamics IV Theory, you will learn how to perform calculations on plant equipment other than those in the Rankine cycle. This will include air compression systems, internal combustion engine cycles, and large as well as small gas turbines. These calculations will enable you to measure machine efficiency and performance.

Pre-requisites:

• THRM 317

In Thermodynamics II Lab, you will apply theoretical knowledge you acquired in power and thermodynamics theory classes.

Pre-requisites:

• THRM 317
• THRM 319