Power Plant System Engineering Course | IIT Guwahati NPTEL | Prof. Niranjan Sahoo

Course Details

Master the Fundamentals of Modern Power Generation

In an era defined by the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demands and transitioning to sustainable practices, a deep understanding of power generation systems is more critical than ever. The Power Plant System Engineering course, offered through the NPTEL platform by Prof. Niranjan Sahoo of IIT Guwahati, provides a comprehensive and advanced exploration of this vital field. This 12-week undergraduate-level course moves beyond traditional syllabi to address the integrated and diverse nature of contemporary power generation.

About the Course Instructor: Prof. Niranjan Sahoo

Learners will be guided by an expert with formidable academic and research credentials. Prof. Niranjan Sahoo is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. He holds a PhD from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and boasts over 15 years of teaching and research experience.

His expertise spans Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Combustion. With more than 100 research publications and extensive experience guiding PhD scholars, Prof. Sahoo brings both theoretical depth and practical insight to the course, ensuring the content is both rigorous and accessible.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is meticulously designed for a broad audience seeking to solidify or expand their knowledge of power systems:

• Undergraduate Students in Mechanical, Energy, and allied Engineering disciplines.
• Faculty Members teaching thermal and fluid engineering streams.
• Practicing Engineers & Scientists in R&D organizations, public sector undertakings (like NTPC, BHEL), and power plants who wish to strengthen their foundational understanding of thermodynamic cycles and system integration.

Course Prerequisites & Industry Relevance

While there are no strict prerequisites, a basic knowledge of Fundamental Thermodynamics (typically covered in the 3rd semester of a UG Mechanical Engineering program) is highly beneficial for grasping the core concepts. The course is structured to align with AICTE-approved UG curricula, allowing for potential credit transfer.

The curriculum holds significant industry support, as it addresses the fundamental theories that underpin the operation, efficiency improvement, and integration of modern power plants—knowledge directly applicable for professionals in the field.

Detailed 12-Week Course Layout

Weeks 1-3: Foundation & Vapour Power Systems – I

The journey begins with a crucial review of Basic Thermodynamics—covering systems, laws, entropy, and steam tables. It then delves into the heart of traditional power generation:

• Analysis of Vapour Power Cycles: Carnot, Rankine, and their limitations.
• Performance enhancement through Reheat, Superheat, and Regeneration.
• Introduction to Exergy Analysis and advanced cycles like Binary Vapour and Cogeneration.

Weeks 4-8: Vapour Power Systems – II & III

This segment provides a deep dive into the components that make up a steam power plant:

• Turbomachinery: Impulse & Reaction Turbines (de Laval, Curtis, Rateau), velocity diagrams, and efficiency calculations.
• Steam Generation: Boiler types, superheaters, reheaters, economizers, and air preheaters.
• Fuels & Combustion: Analysis of coal, combustion chemistry, and fluidized bed systems.
• Auxiliary Systems: Condensers, feedwater heaters, and cooling towers (wet/dry, natural/mechanical draft).

Week 9: Gas Turbines and Combined Power Systems

Addressing modern trends, the course covers gas-based power generation and its integration with steam cycles:

• Brayton Cycle analysis and modifications (regeneration, intercooling).
• Applications in aircraft propulsion (Turbojet engines).
• Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP) and Cogeneration for superior efficiency.
• Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) systems.

Weeks 10-12: Hydro and Renewable Energy Systems

The course concludes with a forward-looking module on sustainable power:

• Hydropower: Impulse (Pelton) and Reaction (Francis, Kaplan) turbines.
• Wind Energy: Principles, turbine aerodynamics (lift/drag), and power potential.
• Ocean Energy: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and wave/tidal power.
• Geothermal Energy: Hydrothermal and petro-thermal systems.
• Energy Storage: Critical technologies like pumped hydro, compressed air, batteries, flywheels, and thermal storage.

Recommended Textbooks

The course references authoritative texts to supplement learning:

Why Enroll in This Course?

This course stands out by offering a holistic view of power plant engineering. It doesn't stop at classical steam cycles but integrates essential knowledge of gas turbines, combined cycles, and the pivotal role of renewable energy and storage systems. For students, it builds a robust foundation for careers in power, energy, and related sectors. For professionals, it provides the theoretical backbone to understand system efficiencies, integration challenges, and future trends.

With methodical teaching, problem-solving sessions, and online evaluation, the Power Plant System Engineering course is a valuable opportunity to learn from an IIT professor and stay abreast of the technologies powering our world—and its sustainable future.

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