

M-TECH in Thermal Power Engineering at Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering


Kalaburagi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Thermal Power Engineering at Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering Kalaburagi?
This M.Tech Thermal Power Engineering program at Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering focuses on advanced principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. In the context of India''''s rapidly expanding energy sector, this specialization is crucial for developing efficient and sustainable power generation solutions. The program differentiates itself by its strong emphasis on both conventional and renewable energy technologies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical engineering graduates seeking entry into the power generation, energy management, or HVAC industries. It also suits working professionals who wish to upskill in advanced thermal systems design and analysis, or career changers transitioning into the energy sector. A strong foundation in undergraduate thermal engineering concepts is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) like NTPC, BHEL, DRDO, private power companies, and renewable energy firms. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with certifications like BEE Certified Energy Manager/Auditor, fostering growth trajectories in energy efficiency roles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Thermal Engineering Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the advanced concepts in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Utilize textbooks recommended in the syllabus, solve numerical problems regularly, and participate in peer study groups to clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on advanced thermal subjects, Incropera & DeWitt Heat Transfer, Cengel & Boles Thermodynamics, online problem-solving platforms like GATE Overflow
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is critical for excelling in technical interviews for PSUs and core engineering companies.
Hands-on Lab Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all thermal engineering laboratory sessions. Focus on understanding experimental setups, data collection, and analysis. Volunteer for additional lab work or assist faculty in ongoing research to gain deeper practical insights.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, simulation software like MATLAB/Simulink (if applicable), experimental data analysis tools
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued by industries, particularly for roles in testing, operations, and R&D within thermal power plants and HVAC.
Cultivate Research & Technical Writing Abilities- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and contribute meaningfully to technical seminars. Practice extensive literature review on emerging thermal technologies and write concise technical reports. Seek feedback from faculty on presentation and writing styles.
Tools & Resources
Reputable scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science), LaTeX for report formatting, presentation software, IEEE/ASME paper templates
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, R&D positions, and effectively communicating complex technical information in any engineering role.
Intermediate Stage
Dive Deep into Specialization Electives- (Semester 3)
Choose electives strategically based on career interests (e.g., CFD, Renewable Energy, Cryogenics). Spend extra time mastering these specialized subjects, perhaps undertaking mini-projects or simulations related to the chosen areas.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks, open-source CFD software (OpenFOAM) or commercial trials, specific journals in chosen fields
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a desirable candidate for niche roles in R&D, design, and consultancy firms in India.
Engage in Industrial Internship/Mini-Projects- (Semester 3 (or summer break between Sem 2 and 3))
Actively seek and complete an industrial internship during the program. If an internship is not feasible, undertake significant mini-projects under faculty guidance, solving real-world thermal engineering problems.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn for networking, industry reports, engineering design software
Career Connection
Practical industry exposure is invaluable for placements, providing hands-on experience and strengthening your resume for Indian companies.
Master Research Methodology and IPR- (Semester 3)
Pay close attention to the Research Methodology and IPR course. Apply these principles rigorously to your project work, ensuring proper research design, data analysis, and understanding the nuances of intellectual property in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for statistical analysis, patent search databases (Indian Patent Office), EndNote/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Crucial for academic careers, R&D roles in PSUs and private firms, and for those aspiring to be innovators or entrepreneurs.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Master''''s Thesis/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Devote maximum effort to your M.Tech project. Aim for innovative solutions, meticulous experimentation/simulation, thorough analysis, and high-quality thesis writing. Regularly discuss progress with your guide and incorporate feedback.
Tools & Resources
Advanced simulation software (ANSYS, Fluent), experimental equipment, statistical analysis tools, academic writing guides
Career Connection
A strong thesis is a testament to your research capabilities, often leading to publications and enhancing your prospects for R&D jobs or PhD admissions.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in conferences, workshops, and college alumni events. Connect with industry leaders and alumni working in the thermal power sector. Seek mentorship and explore potential career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional societies (ISHRAE, IEI), college alumni network platforms
Career Connection
Networking is vital for job referrals, understanding industry trends, and discovering hidden job markets in India.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Begin rigorous placement preparation, focusing on technical aptitude, quantitative skills, and communication. Practice interview skills, refine your resume, and if considering higher studies, prepare for competitive exams or PhD applications.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, online aptitude test platforms, mock interview sessions, career counseling
Career Connection
Directly impacts your ability to secure desired job roles in leading Indian companies or gain admission to top PhD programs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, Automobile Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent with valid GATE score or PGCET rank. Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/Category-1) as per VTU general M.Tech regulations.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory and lab subjects, Project work Phase I and II have 100% internal component initially), External: 60% (for theory and lab subjects, Project work Phase II has a 100% external component for Viva Voce)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18MMD11 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core | 4 | Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods, Transform Calculus, Calculus of Variations, Probability Theory |
| 18MTE12 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | Recapitulation of Basic Thermodynamics, Maxwell Relations, Real Gas Behaviour, Chemical Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics of Irreversible Processes |
| 18MTE13 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Basic Equations of Fluid Mechanics, Potential Flow Theory, Viscous Incompressible Flow, Boundary Layer Theory, Compressible Flow |
| 18MTE14 | Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer |
| 18MTE15X | Elective 1 (Any one of: Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Energy Engineering, Combustion Engineering) | Elective | 3 | Vapor Compression Cycles, Refrigerants and Applications, Psychrometry and Air Conditioning, Energy Conservation Technologies, Combustion Chemistry and Kinetics |
| 18MTEL16 | Thermal Engineering Lab 1 | Lab | 3 | IC Engine Performance Testing, Refrigeration System Analysis, Heat Exchanger Characteristics, Fluid Flow Measurements, Combustion Product Analysis |
| 18MTE17 | Technical Seminar 1 | Seminar | 2 | Literature Review Techniques, Technical Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Research Topic Selection, Scientific Communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18MTE21 | Design of Thermal Systems | Core | 4 | Thermal System Simulation, Optimization Techniques, Heat Exchanger Design, Boiler and Furnace Design, Cooling Tower Design |
| 18MTE22 | Advanced Power Plant Engineering | Core | 4 | Conventional Power Plants, Nuclear Power Generation, Renewable Energy Power Plants, Combined Cycle Power Plants, Environmental Aspects of Power Generation |
| 18MTE23 | Measurement & Instrumentation | Core | 4 | Measurement Principles and Errors, Pressure and Temperature Measurement, Flow and Level Measurement, Strain and Vibration Measurement, Data Acquisition Systems |
| 18MTE24X | Elective 2 (Any one of: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Cryogenics, Alternative Fuels for IC Engines) | Elective | 3 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Discretization Methods, Grid Generation Techniques, Turbulence Modeling, Cryogenic Refrigeration Cycles |
| 18MTE25X | Elective 3 (Any one of: Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Auditing & Management, Nano-materials and Applications) | Elective | 3 | Solar Energy Technologies, Wind Energy Systems, Bioenergy Conversion, Energy Audit Methodologies, Properties of Nano-materials |
| 18MTEL26 | Thermal Engineering Lab 2 | Lab | 3 | CFD Software Practice, Renewable Energy System Experiments, Advanced Heat Transfer Apparatus, Fluid Machinery Testing, Instrumentation Calibration |
| 18MTE27 | Technical Seminar 2 | Seminar | 2 | Advanced Literature Review, Conference Paper Preparation, Research Proposal Development, Presentation of Research Findings, Critical Analysis and Discussion |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18MTE31 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core | 4 | Research Problem Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Research Report Writing, Intellectual Property Rights, Patent Filing Procedures |
| 18MTE32X | Elective 4 (Any one of: Gas Dynamics and Jet Propulsion, Biofuel Engineering, Energy Storage Systems) | Elective | 3 | Isentropic Flow Relations, Normal Shock Waves, Aircraft Propulsion Cycles, Biofuel Production Technologies, Thermal Energy Storage Systems |
| 18MTE33 | Internship | Internship | 3 | Industry Exposure and Practices, Practical Skill Development, Report Writing on Project, Problem Solving in Industry, Professional Networking |
| 18MTEP34 | Project Work Phase – I | Project | 6 | Problem Identification and Definition, Extensive Literature Survey, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design and Analysis, Project Proposal Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18MTEP41 | Project Work Phase – II | Project | 20 | Experimentation and Simulation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Presentation of Results, Viva Voce Examination |




