Analysis of conduction, convection, and radiation mechanisms in industrial heating and cooling equipment.
Course overview
This course explores the fundamental principles of heat transfer as they apply to power generation and industrial processing. You will examine conduction, convection, and radiation, focusing on how thermal energy moves through materials and fluids in real-world equipment. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications in boilers, heat exchangers, and cooling systems.
You will use mathematical models to predict heat transfer rates and evaluate the efficiency of thermal systems. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with thermal testing equipment, allowing you to validate theoretical calculations with empirical data.
Who takes this course
This course is required for students in the Power Engineering Technician program.
Important dates
Classes run from September 8 to December 11, 2026. The final examination is scheduled during the exam period from December 14 to 18, 2026.
Resources
Required textbooks and additional reading materials are available through the Falls Library & Learning Commons. Laboratory safety procedures are outlined in the course syllabus and must be reviewed before the first lab session.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
- Calculate steady-state heat transfer rates through common industrial materials and composite walls.
- Analyze convective heat transfer coefficients for fluids in pipes and over surfaces.
- Evaluate radiative heat exchange between surfaces in enclosed industrial spaces.
- Apply energy balance principles to design and troubleshoot heating and cooling systems.
- Interpret thermal resistance networks to identify bottlenecks in heat exchanger performance.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Midterm Examination | 30 |
| Laboratory Reports | 25 |
| Problem Sets | 25 |
| Final Examination | 20 |