Module Details

Module Code: MECH8027
Title: Degree Day Analysis
Long Title: Degree Day Analysis
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module uses the concept of Degree Days to estimate energy consumption and CO2 emissions for heating, cooling and energy recovery systems both for new build and for major refurbishments. Techniques for energy monitoring and forecasting are investigated.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the concept of degree days and its application in energy calculations.
LO2 Explain the underlying principles and theory of energy use calculations using Degree-days.
LO3 Apply Degree-day analysis to calculate the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions for a range of heating, cooling and energy recovery systems.
LO4 Develop models of engineering systems using industry-standard software tools
LO5 Model complex engineering problems having regard for the limitations, inherent assumptions and applicability of the model
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Degree day calculation
Introduction, calculating degree days, errors,base temperature corrections.
Energy estimation techniques
Heating applications, intermittent heating, accuracy, CO2 emissions, heat gains, cooling applications.
Energy management
Normalisation of energy performance, energy signatures, performance lines and degree days, diagnostics using performance lines, regression analysis.
Excel Models
Use of offset functions and defined names in excel, modelling within Excel
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Generation of degree day data by a number of methods and an assessment of error and confidence level associated with each method
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Generation and analysis of performance lines, control charts and CUSUM plots. Data fitting by linear regression and determination of r2
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Application of degree days to energy consumption in heating/cooling/ventilation applications.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Essay on the limitations and error analysis for degree day theory applications.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Course content Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and assessmnet Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact IT lab on advanced Excel functions Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Course content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact IT lab onadvanced Excel functions Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and assessment Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • CIBSE. (2006), Degree Days: theory and application, CIBSE, London, [ISBN: 1-903287-76-6].
  • Carbon Trust. (2007), Degree days for energy management - a practical introduction.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • NSAI. (2008), IS ISO 13790 Calculation of energy use for space heating and cooling, NSAI, Dublin.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 8 Mandatory