UN807 – Power Plant Thermodynamics
M.Eng./Diploma Course
Power Plant Thermodynamics
Dates
September 12-13, 2026/ September 26, 2026/ October 17-18, 2026/ November 14-15, 2026
Time
9:00 A.M
Location
Lecture Theater, Durham College – Whitby Campus, 1610 Champlain Avenue, Whitby, ON, L1N 6A7
Instructor
Nithy Nitheanand – Adjunct Professor
Prerequisites
Course Description
This course provides both theoretical and practical analysis of key thermal-hydraulic and thermodynamic principles as applied to CANDU nuclear power plants. Students will examine nuclear and conventional steam cycles, including regenerative feedwater heating, moisture separation and reheating, turbine expansion behaviour, heat balance diagrams, cycle efficiency, and exergy analysis. The course explores nuclear heat removal processes such as conduction and convection in fuel rods and heat-exchanger tubes, heat transfer in boilers and condensers, boiler effects on the heat transport system, swelling and shrinking phenomena, level control, and condenser performance. Students will also study steam turbine operation, including turbine configurations, impulse and reaction blading, velocity diagrams, sealing systems, moisture impacts, part-load performance, back-pressure effects, thermal influences, and turbine governing.
Important dates
Final date to register:
Last day to drop course:
Exam Date: December 5, 2026
Preparation
No recomended preparation
Course Schedule
Course Schedule (subject to change)
– Module 1 Thermodynamic Cycles
– Module 2 Nuclear Heat Removal
– Module 3 Steam Turbine Operation
– Final exam