Department of Thermal Energy Engineering

Pakistan’s current energy mix roughly 68% is based on thermal sources like High speed diesel, furnace oil, heavy fuel oil, coal and natural gas. There is no specialized program in the country to cater the needs of thermal power generation. Conventional thermal power plants are considered to be not that energy efficient, in order to enhance the efficiency various technological breakthroughs are imperative. Cutting edge applied research is required not only in thermal fuels but also in areas such as advanced materials, combustion, thermal hydraulics, and thermodynamics.

Thermal Energy Engineering department is primarily focused on thermal energy technologies and systems and covers advanced aspects of energy system modelling, heat- and mass transfer, control engineering and experimental work with focus on different components and energy system aspects. The themes for the two semesters are particularly focused on Thermal Energy and Process Engineering and in-depth understanding of the technologies and scientific disciplines involved in energy conversion, utilization and transport. The education is multidisciplinary and covers the integration of general engineering disciplines such as thermal systems, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and thermal hydraulics.

The main objectives to be attained through the specialization can be summarized as follows:

• To obtain general understanding of the design, modelling and optimization of energy systems used in various energy production applications

• To understand the detailed operation, functionality and interaction between the various components of key thermal energy conversion technologies.

• To gain detailed insight in system integration with respect to both system efficiency and control engineering aspects of energy systems.

• To be able to develop, construct and operate thermal energy conversion technologies in the laboratory and in real applications.

• To gain insight in the topics related to the practical realization and implementation of thermal energy technologies and systems concerning both innovative aspects, business planning and economic considerations

Head of Department Message

Dr Asif Hussain

Almost 60% of the global energy demand is being met by fossil fuel based power plants. Although alternate energy resources are being harvested progressively more in the world, the base electricity load is still managed by thermal energy resources such as furnace oil, high speed diesel, coal and natural gas, and associated energy conversion systems based on gas and steam turbine power plants. Correspondingly, Pakistan’s energy mix is largely based fossil fuels and thermal power plants. In addition, the transport sector including rail, road transport, aviation and shipping are a key component of economic and human development in Pakistan. With the arrival of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a growing economy, the impact of thermal energy resources and conversion systems on overall economic development and prosperity, and environment of the country will be immense in the coming years. Thermal Energy Engineering (TEE) department offers dedicated MS and PhD programs that are especially tailored to provide a platform for young technologists to learn, excel and contribute in the field of thermal power generation and performance assessment. The programs are taught by a highly qualified faculty covering wide disciplines of thermal power systems. The engineering areas under focus include thermal power plant design and performance modeling, waste heat recovery in industry and the transport sector, hybrid thermal-renewable power systems, thermal energy storage and nuclear energy engineering. The education is multidisciplinary and integrates various engineering disciplines based on fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, materials, combustion and heat transfer for different types of thermal energy systems. The department also provides advance laboratories, equipment and educational software to conduct practical design and research with an objective to enhance the conversion efficiency of various thermal power systems. The department gives high importance to industry-academia relationship. The faculty is engaged in various research projects in close collaboration with the industry. Furthermore, internship placements and industry visits are regularly organized in order to field train the students for the challenging energy sector of Pakistan. I trust that with your enthusiasm, hard work and devotion, together with the dedicated and experienced faculty, the TEE department will prove to be a paradigm of academic and professional growth with successful prospects for Pakistan. Dr. Asif Hussain Associate Professor Head of Thermal Energy Engineering Department

VISION & MISSION

Vision
Earth’s rising temperature is transforming the thermal energy sector to counter the profusion of greenhouse gas emissions and the ensuing climate change. The thermal powerplants are now operating more flexibly to allow the integration of intermittent renewable resources. Hybrid-electric systems burning cleaner and alternative fuels such as Hydrogen are becoming prevalent in all forms of transport. Waste heat recovery and energy conservation has gained importance in the industry. Solar thermal power and heat storage is receiving increasing attention. A global effort in both industry and academia is thus taking place to provide modern solutions to advance the thermal energy sector. Foreseeing these developments, the department of Thermal Energy Engineering (TEE) envisions to support the energy transition through a unique postgraduate program supported by state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, highly qualified faculty and research staff, and a strong industry-academia relationship.

Mission
Our mission is to become national leaders in modern thermal energy and power systems, be recognized for innovation, excellence and discovery, and attract the best students and staff through quality of teaching and research, support and facilities, and the learning opportunities we offer.