Energy Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HNC

You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You look at each stage of the design process including client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes. The module is intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules.

You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at higher national level. 

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.

You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

The majority of the engines used in the world today to generate power or to provide transportation are either gas turbines, steam systems or internal combustion engines, all of which use thermodynamic processes to generate the power required. You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer and then shown how they can be applied to engineering systems.

You cover system definition, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the application of the non-flow and steady flow energy equations using the ideal gas equations and steam tables. You are introduced to the different mechanisms of heat transfer and look at the performance of heat exchangers before concluding with an investigation of heat engine cycles, principally those used in the internal combustion engines.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need. You are introduced to some of the core tools and methodologies available to engineers to maximise their chances of bringing an engineering project to a successful conclusion; meeting the specification, on cost, on time and performed in an ecologically and ethically sound manner. You are guided through the management activities needed to deliver a major engineering project. Rather than considering the details of the design solution, the analysis you undertake relates to the management of the project rather than the detail of the engineering design solution. You consider the duties and responsibilities of a professional engineer working in our society.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Explore potential renewable energy resources, including current storage and generation technologies, and determine the optimum combination and efficiencies of renewable energy technologies for a particular location. Conduct a cost–benefit analysis to determine the most viable option between renewable and conventional energy sources, and understand socio-economic, legislative and environmental factors involved in the consideration and selection of other approaches to renewable energy resources and technologies.

This is a 15-credit module.

You study the basics of electrical theory from first principles to the stage where you can solve complex circuits. You cover AC theory and the issues arising from this common type of electric power as well as digital and analogue circuits and the issues arising from each type of control.    

You start with the basics of electricity and simple circuits, such as current, voltage and Kirchhoff’s Laws and different methods to solve more complex circuits. The sinusoidal AC circuit is introduced and the control of its waveform, including the use of phasors. You consider the harmonics of output and the use of filters to control the outputs.

Electronics is introduced with simple descriptions of fundamental electronic devices, such as diodes and transistors. You cover analogue circuits, especially the amplifier and the use of logic gates to create simple logical functions.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You cover a range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes aspects related to loading of structures and mechanics of machines. You gain a firm foundation for work in engineering design and a basis for more advanced study.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You investigate how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully implement automated engineering solutions.
 
You cover PLC system operational characteristics, different types of programming languages, types of robots and cell safety features.

You programme PLCs and robotic manipulators to achieve a set task, describe the types and uses of PLCs and robots available, write simple PLC programs, and program industrial robots with straightforward commands and safety factors.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).