Nano-scale heat transfer
ME-469 / 4 credits
Teacher: Tagliabue Giulia
Language: English
Withdrawal: It is not allowed to withdraw from this subject after the registration deadline.
Summary
In this course we study heat transfer (and energy conversion) from a microscopic perspective. First we focus on understanding why classical laws (i.e. Fourier Law) are what they are and what are their limits of validity. Next we discuss emerging opportunities in nanoengineering energy devices.
Content
Part I: Fundamentals (8 weeks)
In the first part of the course we introduce the basic theory to understand heat transfer and energy conversion from a microscopic perspective. In particular, we will derive classical laws (i.e. Fourier's law, Ohm's law) from this microscopic perspective in oder to understand their limit of validity.
1. Energy states
- From classical to quantum harmonic oscillators: material waves and energy quantization (wave-particle duality)
- Energy states in solids (Band structure of crystals, Phonons, Density of states)
- Fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics
2. Energy Transport
- Energy transfer by waves (reflection/transmission and tunneling, energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields)
- Particle description of transport processes (Fourier's law and Ohm's law)
- Thermoelectric effects
Part II: Size Effects and Nanostructures for Energy Conversion Devices (6 weeks)
In the second part of the course we study the effect of device miniaturization on heat transfer and energy conversion. Subsequently, starting from recent literature results, we analyze the functioning of selected state-of-the art systems and emerging concepts for energy conversion devices.
3. Classical Size Effects: how energy transport changes in nano-/micro-scale systems
4. Thermoelectric devices & materials
5. Nanophotonic Engineering for Energy Devices
- radiative heat transfer & radiative cooling
- plasmonic nanostructure for solar fuels
- nanoscale heat sources
6. Liquids and Interfaces
- electrokinetic effects in nanochannels
- hydrovoltaic devices
Keywords
Nanotechnology
Energy devices
Learning Prerequisites
Important concepts to start the course
Wave equation
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Contextualise heat transfer processes
- Compare energy devices
Transversal skills
- Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures, group projects, laboratory experiences
Assessment methods
- Mid-term Exam 30%
- Project Report (mid-term submission) 30%
- Final Assignment (end-of-semester submission) 40%
Supervision
| Assistants | Yes |
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Nano-scale heat transfer
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Nano-scale heat transfer
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Nano-scale heat transfer
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Nano-scale heat transfer
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
- Subject examined: Nano-scale heat transfer
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional