PROJ-351 Power

Engineering Technology
Capstone Project

Module 1: PET Program Outcomes

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Table of Contents
Rationale ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Learning Outcome ........................................................................................................................ 1

Learning Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 1

Performance Evaluation ................................................................................................................ 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 2

Objective One ............................................................................................................................... 3

Learning Material ....................................................................................................................... 3

Scope Statement ................................................................................................................... 3

Program Outcomes ................................................................................................................ 3

Objective Two ............................................................................................................................... 5

Learning Material ....................................................................................................................... 5

Power Theory Courses .......................................................................................................... 5

Thermodynamics Courses ................................................................................................... 11

Electrical/Instrumentation Courses ...................................................................................... 16

Mechanics Courses ............................................................................................................. 19

Lab Courses ........................................................................................................................ 21

Objective Three ........................................................................................................................... 25

Learning Material ..................................................................................................................... 25

Objective Four ............................................................................................................................. 26

Learning Material ..................................................................................................................... 26

Objective Five ............................................................................................................................. 27

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 Learning Material ..................................................................................................................... 27

Objective Six ............................................................................................................................... 28

Learning Material ..................................................................................................................... 28

Step 1: List Potential Choices .............................................................................................. 28

Step 2: Establish a Reward Factor ...................................................................................... 28

Step 3: Evaluating Your Desire ............................................................................................ 28

Step 4: Scoring .................................................................................................................... 29

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PET Program Outcomes

Rationale
Why is it important for you to learn this material?

At the conclusion of technology programs, you are required to prepare and present an in-depth
technical report. The purpose of this module is to help you select an appropriate topic.

Learning Outcome
When you complete this module, you will be able to ….

Apply the knowledge gained from the curriculum in the PET program to the identification of your
topic for the capstone project.

Learning Objectives
Here is what you will be able to do when you complete each objective.

1. Review the program stated outcomes as presented in the Program Map.

2. Review course descriptions and learning outcomes from courses in the PET program.
3. Explore individual interest areas in the various subjects.
4. Identify and note personal voids in program learning.
5. Conduct a gap analysis. 6. Select report subject.

Performance Evaluation
To show you have mastered the material, you will be asked to:

Select a topic for the capstone project.

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Introduction
This module will assist you in selecting an appropriate topic for your capstone project, and the
associated report and oral presentation. The capstone project gives you the opportunity to apply
everything you learned in the various core subjects in the PET program.

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Objective One
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Review the program stated outcomes as presented in the Program Map.

Learning Material
The Program Map (Figure 1) is a diagrammatic representation of the overall objectives of the
PET program.

Scope Statement
In the top left-hand corner is the scope statement. This statement encapsulates the intention of
the program as envisioned during the program design. Power engineering instructors and
industry representatives worked together to create this statement, which says:

“A graduate of the PET Diploma Program at SAIT will have strong foundational
knowledge of boilers, pressure equipment and processes, while applying technical skills
to operate and work safely in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Graduates will
be well positioned to
pursue a career in power engineering, attain advanced certificates and progress into
leadership roles.”

Program Outcomes
In the upper right-hand corner are listed the general desired program outcomes. Again, the
power engineering instructors developed these with industry representatives. These outcomes
are:

1. Explain the theory and concepts used to optimize cycle conditions to improve overall
performance.
2. Perform start-up, shutdown and continued operation of process equipment according to
safe operation practices and design parameters.
3. Manage the impact of water chemistry on equipment efficiency and reliability.
4. Communicate with co-workers via verbal, non-verbal and written instructions to ensure
safe and efficient operation.
5. Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
6. Troubleshoot abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
7. Optimize performance in a process environment to ensure maximum efficiency.

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 8. Locate and outline the intent of relevant government safety and environmental
regulations.
9. Develop and maintain procedures.
10. Apply data analysis with the degree of accuracy to solve problems and make decisions.
11. Interpret technical documents.

Figure 1: Program Map

© 2013, SAIT Polytechnic

Courses considered core courses for the PET program are in boxes in the diagram. These
courses and the course objectives are discussed in the following sections of this module.

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Objective Two
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Review course descriptions and learning outcomes from courses in the PET program.

Learning Material
The PET program was designed to meet the objectives set out in the program map and
discussed under Objective 1. The core courses and their expected outcomes are presented
below for your review.

The objective of the review is to help you identify areas of particular interest and/or areas of
gaps or voids in knowledge that you might wish to choose as an
area for further investigation in the capstone project.

Power Theory Courses

PENG 201

1. Introduction to Power Engineering

Explain the basis of the power engineering industry and its certification system.

2. Basic Math Review

Determine calculations using basic arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals and
percentages.

3. Applied Mathematics
Perform simple evaluations using SI units, ratios, proportion, equations, transposition, simple
plane figures, areas and volumes of solids.

4. Sketching Fundamentals
Demonstrate basic engineering sketches of plant equipment.

5. Administration Writing Fundamentals

Create unified, coherent paragraphs and memos using clear, concise sentences and
technical terminology on a given technical topic.

6. Engineering Materials
Examine the mechanical properties of common engineering properties.

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7. Welding
Describe common terms used in the electric arc and oxyacetylene welding processes, as
well as the common inspection and welding testing methods.

8. Piping and Valves

Describe the material, size, identification, fittings, connections, support, insulation,
construction and applications of piping, steam traps and valves used in the power
engineering industry.

9. High-Pressure Boiler Design

Examine the development of boiler design, terminology, boiler construction and
components for fire tube, water tube and electric boilers.

10. High-Pressure Boiler Parts and Fittings

Explain combustion theory and high-pressure boiler parts and fittings.

11. High-Pressure Boiler Operation

Examine the pre-start, start-up, operational, shutdown and emergency boiler
operational procedures.

12. Feedwater Treatment

Describe the general principles, methods and equipment used in preparing
raw feedwater for steam production in a boiler.

PENG 251

1. Prime Movers and Engines

Describe the conversion of heat into mechanical energy, as well as the purpose, operations
and maintenance of prime movers and engines.

2. Pumps and Compressors

Describe the theory, classification, components and operation of the various types of
pumps and compressors.

3. Lubrication
Describe the principles and methods of lubrication.

4. Heating Boilers
Explain the operation and maintenance of heating boilers.

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5. Heating Systems
Discuss the auxiliary components, operations and maintenance of various heating systems.

6. Auxiliary Building Systems

Explain the lighting systems, water supply and sanitary drainage systems used in domestic
and commercial buildings.

7. Vapour Compression Refrigeration

Explain the terms and principles associated with the thermodynamics of refrigeration, and
the components and operation of compression refrigeration systems.

8. Absorption Refrigeration
Describe the operation principles and components of the absorption refrigeration system.

9. Air Conditioning
Describe the psychometric properties of air as it relates to air conditioning systems.

10. Air Conditioning Systems

Explain the operation of various air conditioning systems.

PENG 301

1. Chemistry Fundamentals
Explain the chemistry fundamentals in industry operation.

2. Metallurgy and Materials

Explain different methods of production and properties of metallic and non-metallic
materials.

3. Corrosion Principles
Explain corrosion principles.

4. Industrial Drawings
Identify different components of typical engineering drawings in industry.

5. Legislation and Codes for Power Engineers

Explain the purpose of legislation and codes.

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6. Pressure Vessels
Explain pressure vessel design, stresses and operating considerations.

7. Welding, Procedures and Inspection

Explain the processes and applications of different welding techniques and describe the
testing of welds and procedures.

8. Code Calculation ASME section 1

Calculate the design thickness and pressure using ASME Code Section 1.

9. Piping
Identify codes for piping design and support.

10. Steam Traps, Water Hammer and Insulation

Explain the design of steam traps.

11. Valves and Actuators

Explain common designs of valves and actuators.

12. Fuels and Combustion

Explain properties and combustion of common fuels.

13. Internal Water Treatment for Boilers

Discuss internal water treatment methods and systems for the control of scale, corrosion
and carryover, and explain testing and monitoring strategies.

14. Boiler Water Pre-treatment

Explain the purpose, principles, equipment, and monitoring of boiler water pre-treatment
processes.

15. Wastewater Treatment

Explain the purpose, designs, processes and control of industrial wastewater treatment.

16. Pump Designs and Operation

Describe the designs, principles, components and operating procedures for common
industrial pumps.

17. Pump Head Calculations

Define terms associated with pumping and performing pump head calculations.

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18. Safety Management Systems
Identify the importance of safety management system in the industrial workplace.

19. Fire Protection System

Explain the fire protection system in the industrial workplace.

PENG 351

1. Water Tube Boiler Designs

Describe common designs, configurations and circulation patterns for modern water tube
boilers.

2. Special Boiler Designs

Describe the designs, components, firing methods and operating considerations for some
special boilers used in industry.

3. Boiler Construction
Explain code requirements for the construction and assembly of major components of a
large boiler.

4. Boiler Heat Transfer Components

Explain the purpose, location, design and operating conditions for the major heat transfer
components of a large water tube boiler or steam generator.

5. High-Pressure Boiler Fittings

Describe the design and operation of common external and internal fittings attached to the
pressure side of a high-pressure boiler.

6. Burner Designs and Supply Systems

Describe the typical components of fuel supply systems and describe common
burner/furnace designs for gas, oil and coal-fired boilers.

7. Boiler Draft and Flue Gas Equipment

Explain boiler draft systems fans and the equipment used to remove ash from flue gas.

8. Boiler Control System

Explain the components and operation of automatic control systems for boiler water level,
combustion, steam temperature and start-up.

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9. Boiler Procedures
Describe common procedures in the operation and maintenance of high-pressure boilers.

10. Steam Turbine Principles and Design

Describe designs, operating principles and major components of steam turbines.

11. Turbine Auxiliaries and Operation

Describe auxiliary support and control systems for steam turbines, and explain start-up and
shutdown procedures.

12. Turbine Condenser Systems

Explain typical designs, components and operating principles of steam turbine condensers.

13. Gas Turbine Principles and Designs

Explain common designs, major components, operating principles and arrangements for
industrial gas turbines.

14. Gas Turbine Auxiliaries and Operation

Describe the support auxiliaries for a gas turbine and explain common operational, control
and maintenance procedures.

15. Internal Combustion Engines

Explain the operating principles, designs, support systems and operation of industrial
internal combustion engines (ICE).

16. Cogeneration Systems and Operation

Explain cogeneration and its common configurations, components and applications.

17. Compressor Theory and Designs

Explain the classification, designs and operating principles of industrial air and gas
compressors.

18. Compressor Auxiliaries and Operation

Explain the controls and system auxiliaries for a typical instrument air system and start-up
procedures for air compressors.

19. Refrigeration Principles and Systems

Explain the classification and properties of refrigerants, operating principles and
components of compression and absorption systems.

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20. Refrigeration Auxiliaries and Operation
Explain control and safety devices on a compression refrigeration system, procedures, and
equipment to control oil, non-condensables, moisture, refrigerant and brine.

21. Heat Exchangers and Cooling Towers

Describe the design, operation and applications of various types of industrial heat
exchangers.

22. Fired Heaters

Describe the design, components, operation and applications of direct-fired and indirect-
fired natural draft process heaters.

23. Plant Maintenance and Administration

Explain typical components of maintenance and administration programs for utilities and
process facilities.

Thermodynamics Courses
THRM 208

1. Introduction to Basic Mechanics

Describe the basic terms and/or definitions related to the study of mechanics.

2. Forces and Moments

Analyze the basic concepts of force, including the concepts of component and moment.

3. Simple Machines
Solve simple machine equations related to work and energy.

4. Scalars and Vectors I/II

Characterize scalar and vector quantities.

5. Linear Velocity and Acceleration

Solve simple linear problems involving velocity, acceleration, time and distance.

6. Force, Work, Pressure, Power and Energy

Analyze relationships related to force, work, power, pressure and energy.

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7. Friction I/II
Solve problems involving friction.

8. Stress and Strain

Analyze problems on stress and deformation of bodies.

9. Basic Mechanics Review – Reference

Explain the major types of power transmission systems.

10. Heat Energy

Demonstrate the fundamentals of mechanics concepts and its basic calculations.

11. Change of Phase

Perform basic heat flow calculations.

12. Calorimetry and Temperature of Mixtures

Explain the thermodynamics involved in phase change of a substance.

13. Bomb Calorimetry

Explain the functionality of a calorimeter apparatus.

14. Basic Gas Laws

Quantify the heating values of fuels.

15. Steam Tables I

Analyze the behaviour of ideal gases in a closed system according to Boyle’s and Charles’
laws,the Combined Gas law, and the Characteristic Gas law.

16. Steam Tables II

Demonstrate the concepts and applications of specific enthalpy, pressure, and temperature
for water and steam.

17. The Steam Throttling Process

Solve thermodynamic problems using values of steam/water from the steam table.

18. Thermal Expansion I

Analyze problems related to the steam throttling process.

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19. Thermal Expansion II
Solve problems related to the linear and area expansion/contraction of a solid material
when the temperature of the material changes.

20. Gas Compression and Expansion

Solve problems related to the volumetric expansion/contraction of solids and liquids due to
changes in their temperature.

THRM 258

1. First Law of Thermodynamics

Demonstrate the First Law of Thermodynamics using a mathematical formula.

2. Charts of Steam Properties

Characterize entropy-enthalpy (T-h), pressure-volume (P-v), and temperature-entropy (T-
s)charts for steam.

3. The Mollier Chart for Steam

Solve thermodynamic problems using property values in the Mollier chart.

4. The Carnot and Rankine Cycles

Determine the cycle efficiency of an ideal Carnot and Rankine cycle.

5. The Rankine Cycle with Superheat

Perform calculations using steam tables, T-s charts and Mollier charts involving the
Rankine cycle with superheat conditions.

6. Thermodynamics of Refrigeration
Explain the terms and principles associated with the thermodynamics of refrigeration.

7. Refrigerants and Refrigeration Tables

Explain refrigerants based on their characteristics and properties.

8. Refrigeration Plant Capacity & Performance

Analyze a refrigeration plant with respect to its capacity and coefficient of performance.

9. The Refrigeration Cycle

Solve refrigeration system sizing and capacity problems.

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10. Pressure-Enthalpy Charts for Refrigeration
Analyze refrigeration problems using pressure-enthalpy (P-h) diagrams.

11. Air/Vapour Mixtures

Explain Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures in determining pressures, temperatures, masses
of air and vapours in constant volume systems.

12. Psychrometric Calculations using Steam Table

Solve psychrometric problems by the use of steam tables.

13. The Psychrometric Chart

Determine psychrometric properties of air using the psychrometric chart.

14. Applications of the Psychrometric Chart & Comfort Conditions

Solve problems using a psychrometric chart.

15. Other Psychrometric Processes

Apply psychrometric principles to processes other than those used in air conditioning.

THRM 317

1. The Thermodynamics of Combustion I

Calculate the quantity of air required and heat released during the combustion process.

2. The Thermodynamics of Combustion II

Determine the major constituents of flue gases and express them as a percentage by mass
or a percentage by volume.

3. The Thermodynamics of Combustion III

Balance hydrocarbon combustion equations and determine the oxygen, air and flue gas
constituents.

4. The Thermodynamics of Heat Transfer I

Solve problems in heat transferred by conduction and radiation using thermodynamic
formulae.

5. The Thermodynamics of Heat Transfer II

Examine heat exchanger designs by performing calculations based on different designs.

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6. Rankine Cycle Improvements I
Analyze the performance of a plant operating on the Rankine cycle.

7. Rankine Cycle Improvements II

Analyze and perform calculations concerning feedwater heaters and explain their impact on
a steam plant cycle.

8. Nozzle
Perform calculations on nozzles used for steam and air.

9. The Thermodynamics of Steam Turbines I

Describe basic turbine principles through calculations involving velocities, forces, power
and efficiency in steam turbines.

10. The Thermodynamics of Steam Turbines II

Describe the impact on speed and efficiency of various turbine designs.

11. Advanced work and Heat Flow To and From Gases

Review Module 6026 - Basic Gas Laws.

12. Advanced Gas Process Relationships

Review Module 6027 - Gas Compression and Expansion.

THRM 357

1. Air Compressors I
Analyze the performance of single-stage single-acting compressors.

2. Air Compressors II
Explain the operation of double-acting compressors and calculate the impacts of clearance
volume and pressure ratio on compressor performance.

3. Air Compressors III

Perform calculations that quantify the effect of elevation, atmospheric humidity and the use
of multi-staging in air compressors.

4. Air Compressors IV
Perform energy balance calculations on a compressor system to determine the power and
isentropic efficiency of centrifugal and axial flow dynamic compressors.

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5. Heat Engines I

Describe and perform calculations involving basic heat engine cycles.

6. Heat Engines II; The Brayton Cycle

Describe and perform calculations on practical gas turbine installations in order to compare
them to the “Air Standard” Brayton cycle.

7. Heat Engines III; Otto, Diesel and Dual Combustion Cycles

Describe and perform calculations on the Air Standard Otto, Diesel and Dual Combustion
cycles.

8. Heat Engines IV; Field Measurement and Calculations on Operating Plant Engines

Analyze the performance of actual engines using various performance measures.

9. Heat Engines V; Advanced Heat Engine Calculations

Define supercharging and turbocharging; apply energy balance diagrams and Sankey
diagrams to heat engines and reproduce graphic illustrations of other performance
measurements.

Electrical/Instrumentation Courses
ELCT 254

1. Basic Electricity
Perform simple calculations using voltage, current, resistance and power.

2. Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Describe the basic principles of magnetism.

3. Electrical Metering Devices

Discuss the designs and uses of electrical metering devices.

4. Motors and Generators

Describe the operating principles of the various types of AC and DC motors or generators.

5. Transformers
Describe the construction and maintenance of various types of transformers.

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6. Electrical Distribution Circuits
Describe an electrical distribution system.

7. Introduction to Instrumentations
Describe the overall purpose and function of plant instrumentation systems.

8. Introduction to Process Measurements

Describe the construction and operation of common devices used to measure pressure,
level, temperature, flow and composition.

9. Basic Control Loop Components

Describe the basic types and functions of transmitters, recorders, controllers and control
valves.

10. Boiler Water Level and Combustion Control

Describe specific types of instrumentation and controls used on boilers.

11. Boiler Programming Controls

Describe the operation of programming controls for boilers, and the testing and
maintenance procedures for these controls.

12. Introduction to Process Computer Applications

Describe the major components of process computers, their basic functions and the types
of tasks performed by the computer systems.

ELCT 304

1. Direct Current Theory and DC Machines

Investigate the basics of direct current theory applied to various connections of DC motors
and generators.

2. Alternating Current Theory and AC Machines

Investigate the basics of alternating current theory applied to various types of AC motors
and generators.

3. AC Systems, Switchgears and Safety

Explore AC power systems, including switch gears and safety.

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4. Electrical Calculations
Know the electrical calculations using Ohms Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws and power calculations.

5. Industrial Drawings
Identify and interpret the components of a typical equipment layout drawing.

6. Valves and Actuators

Describe the designs, configurations and operation of the common valve designs that are
used in power and process piping.

7. Control Loops and Strategies

Explain the operation and components of pneumatic, electronic and digital control loops,
and discuss control modes and strategies.

ELCT 354

1. Alternating Current Theory

Explain the AC current theory, as well as single-phase and three-phase circuits with power
triangle.

2. Direct Current Machines

Explain the DC generators and procedure of parallel operation with calculation of efficiency
and losses in DC generators.

3. Alternating Current Generators

Explain the operating principles, design and construction of alternators with cooling
systems.

4. Alternating Current Motors

Explain the principles of pulsating magnetic field for single-phase, three-phase and
synchronous motors.

5. Transformers
Explain the construction, connecting methods of single-phase and three-phase
transformers.

6. Electrical System Protection

Explain the types of protective devices implemented in electrical power systems.

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7. Measurement & Control Components
Explain the design, use and placement of electrical and electronic pressure measuring
devices.

8. Control Instrumentation Systems

Explain the principle, design, application and limitations of various automatic control
systems.

9. Combustion Control & Safeguards

Explain series, parallel and series/parallel combustion control systems.

Mechanics Courses
AMEC 306

1. Kinematics

Define terms used in kinematics (both linear and angular), perform calculations for both
linear and angular motion, and apply these concepts to power engineering.

2. Dynamics
Define dynamics, mass, force, inertia, momentum and torque, and perform calculations
involving these. Apply these concepts to industrial settings.

3. Work, Power and Energy

Define work, power and energy; perform calculations involving these concepts and apply
them to an industrial setting.

4. Centripetal Forces
Perform calculations involving centripetal forces, and apply these concepts to governors
and other related machinery.

5. Sliding Friction
Define friction and perform calculations involving sliding friction.

6. Lifting Machines
Demonstrate the operation of simple machines such as rope pulley blocks, wheel and
axles, differential pulley blocks, screw jocks, Warwick screws, crab winches and hydraulic
jacks.

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7. Moments
Define first, second and polar second moments.

8. Stress and Strain

Define terms relating to stress, strain and thin-walled pressure vessels, and perform related
calculations.

9. Bending of Beams
Define terms relating to beams, and perform calculations relating to the loading of beams,
the resulting stresses, shear forces and bending moments.

10. Torsion of Shafts

Define terms relating to the torsion of shafts and perform relevant calculations.

AMEC 356

1. The Nature of Fluids

Analyze the nature of fluids and their properties.

2. Pressure Measurement
Describe various types of pressure measurement techniques.

3. Flow of Fluids and Bernoulli’s Equations

Calculate the flow of fluids in pipes and tubes, with the devices used to control the flow,
fluid power systems, fluid distribution systems, pumps, turbines, valves, elbows and other
fittings.

4. General Energy Equation

Apply general energy equations to fluid flow.

5. Pump Selection and Application

Size and select the correct pump for an industrial application.

6. Forces Due to Static Fluid

Analyze the forces exerted on surfaces due to static fluid.

7. Buoyancy

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 Explain buoyancy.

8. Viscosity
Characterize viscosity as the property of a fluid that offers resistance to the relative motion
of fluid molecules.

9. Reynolds Number, Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow

Determine the character of fluid flow regimes.

10. Energy Losses Due to Friction

Calculate energy losses due to friction and other sources.

11. Minor Losses

Calculate the minor losses due to valves, fittings, changes in the size of the flow path and
changes in direction of flow.

12. Series Pipeline Systems

Perform the methods of analysis for real pipeline systems in which the fluid flows through a
single continuous path.

13. Parallel Pipeline Systems

Perform calculations related to parallel pipeline systems.

Lab Courses
PWEN 203

1. Boilers 1 and 2
Demonstrate the skills necessary to safely operate a high-pressure watertube boiler.

2. Cleaver Brooks Low-Pressure Firetube Boiler

Demonstrate the skills necessary to safely operate a low-pressure firetube boiler.

3. Boiler Feedwater Pump

Demonstrate the skills necessary to safely operate boiler feedwater pumps.

4. Water Testing and Treatment

Discuss the process of preparing raw water for steam production.

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5. Sodium Zeolite Water Softener
Demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a water softener.

6. Piping and Valves

Identify piping, valves and steam traps for boiler operation.

7. Turbine #1
Demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a turbine/alternator.

8. Turbine #2
Demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a condensing turbine.

9. Pumps
Demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a pump.

PENG 253

1. Low-Pressure Watertube Steam Boiler

Demonstrate the skills to operate a low-pressure steam boiler.

2. Hot Water Boilers

Demonstrate the skills to operate a Hydrotherm/CB Flextube.

3. Refrigeration System
Demonstrate skills to safely operate a refrigeration system.

4. Air Compressor
Demonstrate the skills to operate an air compressor.

5. Internal Combustion Engine

Demonstrate the skills to operate an internal combustion engine.

6. Boiler Controls
Demonstrate the skills to control an Inglis boiler.

7. Gas Turbine
Explain the operation of a gas turbine.

8. HVAC System

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 Interpret the operation of an HVAC system.

9. Boiler #4
Demonstrate the skills to safely operate a high-pressure boiler.

10. Turbine #4
Demonstrate the skills to safely operate Turbine/Alternator.

THRM 319

1. Centrifugal Pumps
Compare the operating characteristics of centrifugal pumps to fluid mechanics theory.

2. Refrigeration Lab
Compare refrigeration and thermodynamic theory to the operation of a refrigeration plant.

3. Boiler Testing
Assemble data from test experiments to determine boiler efficiency and combustion airflow
from an operating boiler.

4. Turbine Testing
Evaluate steam turbine performance based on various performance indicators.

5. Rankine Cycle Overall Efficiency

Evaluate the performance of a superheated steam boiler and multi-stage turbine plant with
all auxiliaries, including feedwater heaters.

6. Bomb Calorimeter
Evaluate the heating values of various fuels.

THRM 359

1. Rankine Cycle Detailed Analysis (Lab 1)

Compare and contrast steam plant performance measurements of a theoretical and an
operating plant.

2. Internal Combustion Engine Testing (Lab 2)

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 Evaluate the performance of an internal combustion engine.

3. Nozzle Characteristics (Lab 3)

Compare the performance of nozzles with predicted performance.

4. Distillation Tower Operation and Testing (Lab 4)

Perform a heat and mass balance of a distillation tower.

5. Cogeneration Plant Analysis (Lab 5)

Compare the operating costs of a Gas Turbine/HRSG co-generation plant to a simple
saturated steam boiler.

6. Air Compressors (Lab 6)

Evaluate the performance of a compressor.

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Objective Three
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Explore individual interest areas in the various subjects.

Learning Material
Choose a topic for your capstone project from your review of the power engineering curriculum
above or from other related areas of interest. It is recommended you go through the material
presented under Objective 2 and select three to five categories of interest.

From these three to five areas of interest, analyze the suitability of the topic to evaluate if it
merits more in-depth study.

If, for example, you have already accepted an offer or you anticipate being offered a job in the
power generation field, you might choose a more in-depth study of the Rankine cycle, or
perhaps the combined cycle. In this case, you can arrange time through your instructor for more
detailed laboratory investigation using Unit 4.

Another example is if you are interested in how changing electrical load characteristics affect
generator operation in an isolated electrical system. The diesel engine and load bank would
lend themselves to such a study and again, laboratory time could be arranged so you could
have access to this equipment.

Alternatively, you might select a topic of research that does not rely on gathering data in the
power engineering laboratory. You might have a keen interest in controls technology and its
application to the power engineering field. You could then undertake research using sources
such as the Internet, textbooks and experts in the field.

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Objective Four
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Identify and note personal voids in program learning.

Learning Material
The information presented in Objective 1 outlines the overall program design as developed by
the instructors and industry representatives. A review of that overall plan might trigger some
thoughts regarding how well the program has succeeded in meeting those program objectives
for you.

When you are working on the capstone project, you are approaching the end of the SAIT Power
Engineering program. Perhaps you have developed an opinion about shortcomings in the
program content.

You might find voids between the program outcomes described in Objective 1 and the program
content. Or perhaps there’s a void between your opinion of what a well-educated power
engineer needs to know and the program content.

You are encouraged to review the program outcomes in Objective 1, as well as your own beliefs
about what you need to know. You might discover areas of knowledge deficiency, which you
can then research and report the findings as your capstone project.

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Objective Five
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Conduct a gap analysis.

Learning Material
Your analysis in objectives 3 and/or 4 might have resulted in several areas of special interest or
areas of a perceived void in knowledge.

A gap analysis can help you identify the area you wish to explore as a capstone project. In a
gap analysis, the ultimate desired states are defined by experts – generally people who are
closely involved, such as those working in the field.

To build on a previous example, perhaps you have accepted an offer from a large utility to work
as an operator in a Rankine cycle power plant. Many, if not most, larger companies have
developed job descriptions or profiles describing the skills an ideal employee has. You might be
able to obtain such a document from the prospective employer.

Once you have a job profile, you can compare the skills you believe you already have to those
required. Help from an expert on this topic is very useful, as often people don’t know what they
don’t know. Your instructor or a person who has performed the defined role is a potential expert
who could be consulted. They could help identify gaps between your current state and the
desired state of training or education.

It is likely several significant gaps will be identified in such an exercise. From these “gaps,” you
might determine an area of study you wish to pursue as a capstone project.

PROJ-351, Module 1: PET Program Outcomes

© 2020, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 27
Objective Six
When you complete this objective, you will be able to…

Select report subject.

Learning Material
The activities outlined in the previous objectives are intended to help you identify potential
options for a topic for the capstone project.

After these above described steps, you should have identified and listed several potential areas
you might wish to research. You now need to make a choice. Your choice should be based on
an analysis and comparison. One method of comparing alternatives is outlined briefly below.

Step 1: List Potential Choices

Draw a table like the one shown in Table 1. In the first column, list the potential choices you
have identified.

Step 2: Establish a Reward Factor

The next step for comparison is to identify the criteria for choosing. List the important
advantages or rewards that might flow from your choice. Examples are:

• Better preparation for a specific desired job

• Better chance of increased future income
• Availability of information on topic
• Importance of filling knowledge void in important area
• Interest in topic area

Considering the bullet points listed above, determine the reward factor, a number between 1
and 5, for each potential choice. Judge, if this were your choice, “What is the potential reward
based on the above criteria?” List these reward factors in column 3 of the table.

Step 3: Evaluating Your Desire

In the second column of the table, place another number between 1 and 5 indicating your desire
to execute each of the potential choices.

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Step 4: Scoring
To score this exercise, simply multiply the numbers in column 2 with those in column 3 and
enter the result in column 4.

Table 1: Evaluation Table

The process described above is only one alternative. You are free to use whatever process you
desire.

Upon completion of this module, you should have completed the selection process and decided
on a topic for your capstone project.

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© 2020, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 29
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