B.Tech Thermal Engineering or Bachelors of Technology in Thermal Engineering is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme that is a branch of mechanical engineering that aims to help engineers increase the efficacy and performance of thermal power plants such as heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, solar thermal among other things. Heat and mass transport, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics are all part of the curriculum that is taught to the B.Tech thermal engineering students over the duration of 4 years or 8 semesters. Overall, the method of converting produced energy from a thermal source into electrical, mechanical and chemical energy is taught to the Thermal Engineering students.
Candidates can pursue Bachelors in Thermal engineering with graduation from class 12 with minimum 50% aggregate with compulsory subjects in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. BTech graduates of Mechanical engineering and Chemical engineering can pursue a Masters in Thermal Engineering which is taught for a period of 2 years.
Admissions to Thermal Engineering programmes can be done on Merit Based or Entrance based. Some of the common entrance exams used for admissions to Thermal engineering are JEE Main, VITEEE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT and GATE.
Thermal Engineering can be pursued at multiple levels such as Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral levels. The course can also be learnt in multiple modes such as Online, Offline and Distance learning. Some of the top universities that provide training in Thermal engineering are IIT Bombay, COEP Pune, IIST Thiruvananthapuram, IIT Madras and VIT Vellore etc. The average tuition fee for Thermal Engineering courses ranges from Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 5,00,000.
After graduating, the candidates can find suitable employment opportunities in companies like Maruti Suzuki, TATA Motors, Indian Oil etc.
The candidates can find out some important facts and details about the Thermal Engineering course from the highlights table given below -
Course Name |
Thermal Engineering |
---|---|
Duration of the programme |
4 years |
Level of the programme |
Undergraduate |
Academic eligibility |
60% aggregate at the 10+2 level in the Science stream |
Admission process |
Both merit-based and entrance test based admissions |
Average course fee (In Rs) |
|
Average starting salary |
INR 3.1 LPA |
Major recruiters |
BHEL, NTPC, Indian Oil, State Power Plants etc |
Job profiles |
Maintenance Engineer, Safety Engineer, Operation Engineer, Plant Service Engineer among others |
Career Opportunities: Thermal engineering graduates have several options for furthering their careers. They can find work in a variety of industries, including the petroleum industry, power plants, defense, transportation and the car sector, railways, and aviation sectors, among others. Graduates can work as professors and lecturers as well.
High Salary: Graduates in this industry are paid well. Graduates may expect to earn between Rs 2 lakhs and Rs 15 lakhs and Thermal engineers with a masters degree can earn upto Rs 25 lakhs.
Further Education: An M.Tech is a more intense, strengthened devotion to the topic that necessitates in-depth knowledge and a desire to learn more about thermal engineering. Thermal sciences are the basic concepts of many engineering processes, therefore a thermal engineer is qualified for employment in a wide range of industries.
Candidates interested in pursuing a career in Thermal Engineering have several options. Candidates can evaluate them based on their preferences.
Bachelor of Technology in Thermal Engineering: BTech is a full-time undergraduate programme that is available after the 12th grade. BTech Thermal Engineering is a four-year programme that studies heating and cooling processes in open and closed settings.
Thermal Engineering eligibility criteria are the factors that candidates must meet in order to be admitted to the course. This is done to determine whether or not the following individuals are qualified for Thermal Engineering. The eligibility criteria of Thermal Engineering according to the course level are mentioned below. Before filling up the application form from the chosen institutions or institutes, candidates should verify if they meet the requisite criteria.
Courses |
Basic Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
BTech in Thermal Engineering |
|
M.E/MTech in Thermal Engineering |
|
Diploma in Thermal Engineering |
|
Candidates can study Thermal Engineering through multiple modes such as Online, Offline and distance learning. There are several alternatives in online or distance learning courses offered by premier institutes in India and Abroad.
The difference between Thermal Engineering and other engineering degrees such as Mechanical engineering and Chemical engineering are listed below in the table
Thermal Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering |
Chemical Engineering |
---|---|---|
Thermal engineering is the study of heat movement and energy transfer. |
Mechanical engineering focuses on design, analyze, construct and maintain mechanical systems |
Chemical engineering studies the operation and design of chemical plants and converting raw chemicals to useful products |
Thermal engineers construct systems that use diverse thermal energy sources to general thermal, chemical and mechanical energy. |
Mechanical engineers create both power producing and energy consuming systems such as generators, combustion engines and turbines. |
Chemical engineers are responsible for the development and design of chemical production systems. Chemical engineers employ chemistry, physics, biology, and arithmetic concepts to address problems with the manufacture or usage of chemicals. |
Thermal Engineering admission is dependent on the marks/rank received in the approved entrance tests. Admission to certain colleges is also based on merit. Few colleges have entrance exams to admit students to engineering programmes. Admissions to Thermal engineering can be done on Merit-based or Entrance-exam based, further details regarding the same can be found below
After passing their 10+2 examinations, candidates can take several national level entrance tests to gain admission to Top Engineering Colleges. Some colleges also hold entrance tests to admit students to various engineering programmes.
Some of the entrance examinations on the basis of which candidates can take admission in top colleges are listed below. It is advisable to check the eligibility criteria of the respective exams before applying.
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) is a national level examination conducted every year by NTA to offer admissions to several engineering courses.
For admission to integrated first degree programmes at BITS Pilani Campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad, candidates must take the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT), a computer-based online exam.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an exam administered in India that primarily assesses the thorough comprehension of numerous undergraduate engineering and scientific disciplines for the purpose of admission to master's programmes.
For admission to engineering and other disciplines, Anna University administers the TANCET exam every year. Over 200 affiliated colleges in Tamil Nadu accept applicants who pass the TANCET test.
The following table highlights the top engineering colleges in India, which provide a significantly superior quality of education to those interested in studying thermal engineering there. Along with that, we have listed the approximate course fees and the locations of the institutions.
Thermal Engineering Top Colleges |
Location |
Average Total fees (Rs) |
---|---|---|
Mumbai |
8.5 Lakhs |
|
Pune |
4 Lakhs |
|
Chennai |
8 Lakhs |
|
Shibpur |
5.5 Lakhs |
|
Allahabad |
5 Lakhs |
|
Pilani |
20 Lakhs |
|
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering |
Hyderabad |
90,000 |
Vellore |
8 Lakhs |
Some of the top engineering schools that offer thermal engineering courses have been listed below.
There are several career options for Thermal Engineering positions abroad. More chances for thermal engineers are emerging as a result of the rising trend in demand for thermal engineers. As companies attempt to be more inclusive, the demand for greater diversity in the workforce is becoming more and more crucial.
In the engineering industry, where there is a dearth of diverse people, this tendency is having a particularly significant influence. Below is a list of the top five nations having the greatest need for mechanical engineers. The following countries provide significant success for skilled engineers like the USA, Canada, Japan, Germany and Singapore.
Candidates have ample opportunities to study Thermal Engineering abroad at some of the premier institutes. The list of top engineering universities abroad can be found in the table below along with the location.
Thermal Engineering Colleges Abroad |
Location |
---|---|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
USA |
King’s College |
London |
Technical University of Munich |
Germany |
RWTH Aachen University |
Germany |
Worchester University of Polytechnic |
USA |
Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
China |
University of New South Wales |
Australia |
Cranfield University |
UK |
Lawrence Technological University |
USA |
The core principles of Thermal Engineering revolve around heat dynamics and transfer in systems. As Thermal engineering is an integral part of Mechanical engineering, candidates learn the basic concepts of Thermal engineering in their graduate in Mechanical engineering. We can further look in-depth into the topics and concepts that will be covered in the Thermal engineering syllabus..
Subjects |
Topics Covered |
---|---|
Engines |
|
Normal Combustion and abnormal combustion in SI engines |
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Testing and Performance and Reciprocating Compressors |
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Rotary Compressor (Positive displacement type) |
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Dynamic Compressors |
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Axial Flow Compressors |
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Gas Turbines |
|
There are several alternatives for students to select from in the Thermal Engineering programme. Thermal Engineering graduates are employed by several Indian government agencies in a range of positions, including Assistant Engineers, Site Engineers, and other Officer level positions. The majority of recruiting decisions are made after an entrance exam and a graduate's personal interview. The pay for a course in Thermal Engineering in India ranges between 5 to 10 LPA. Graduates of Thermal Engineering can find employment with the government in a variety of institutions and departments, including state and central educational institutions, R&D organizations, BHEL, Indian Railways, the Indian Armed Forces, state-specific electricity boards, the DRDO, steel plants, etc.
The rules of thermodynamics and heat transmission underpin any solution in thermal engineering. The practice of thermal engineering, which is the study of thermal energy and energy conversion, necessitates a thorough knowledge of mechanical and chemical systems and how they interact to produce energy. Thermal solutions must be designed, developed, and maintained by a thermal engineer. Thermal analysis is done, and they determine what might be changed for increased efficiency.
Students studying thermal engineering have a wide range of job options in both public and commercial sectors. The market growth is not only restricted to domestic regions, but foreign markets as well. Thermal Engineering is considered to be one of the most difficult fields, but it is also one of the most lucrative in the broad fields of engineering.
Graduates in thermal engineering are required to maintain centers for oil engines, electric motors, pumps, and other manufacturing machinery. The future of a thermal engineer is only expanding in all directions due to the widening of scope and improvement in technology.
A student of thermal engineering has numerous career options, including positions as plant chemists, piping designers, trainee planners, maintenance engineers, field service engineers, and independent consultants, in fields as diverse as the petroleum industry, power plants, defense, transportation and the automobile sector, railways, and aviation. Spacecraft and submarines both make extensive use of thermal engineering for propulsion and temperature management. The electrical power sector and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry both use its concepts. Hence we can conclude that the scope of Thermal Engineering has an upward trajectory and in the next decade, there will be a high demand for thermal engineers due to the ever increasing demand for efficient technology.
The following table shows the average income for a skilled Thermal Engineer captioned. Candidates are urged to research the average salaries for the many occupations that fit their preferences.
Job Profiles Offered After Completing Thermal Engineering |
Approximate Salary in Rs (Lakhs Per Annum) |
---|---|
Junior Thermal Engineer |
Rs 4,00,000 to Rs 6,00,000 |
Thermal Engineering |
Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000 |
Plant Chemist |
Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 4,00,000 |
Maintenance Engineer |
Rs 3,00,000 to Rs 5,50,000 |
Aero Thermal Engineer |
Rs 8,00,000 to Rs 13,00,000 |
Process Engineer |
Rs 4,00,000 to Rs 7,00,000 |
Engineer Flow & Thermal |
Rs 6,50,000 to Rs 10,00,000 |
Most engineers in this profession work for manufacturing companies, while they can also choose management and executive roles in both the public and private sectors. Professionals in this field might also choose to work as teachers at colleges and universities depending upon the areas of interest. For people who desire to work as researchers, the Thermal Engineering sector offers a variety of chances.
One of the difficult and very lucrative areas is thermal engineering. The work of thermal engineers varies by industry and function, and they can find employment possibilities in both the commercial and governmental sectors. Thermal engineers are needed by the railroads and the military to help with machinery maintenance and design. Additionally, thermal engineers manage shops for oil engines, electric motors, pump sets, and other production tools.
The Piping Designer creates isometrics, pipeline designs, layout drawings, and proposals for this purpose. They are particularly responsible for developing pipe systems for industries and industrial projects.
The duties of a Maintenance Engineer also known as Plant Engineer includes choosing and implementing a plant maintenance strategy, modelling equipment maintenance cost, performing life cycle analysis, managing operational risks and redesigning equipment to increase efficiency.
A Thermal Design Engineer is responsible for leveraging thermodynamics to design technology and products. They also modify existing systems to accommodate the role of thermal energy, heat transfer to increase efficiency and improve production.
Safety managers contribute to all levels of production and operation. A safety engineer in a Thermal plant identifies risk prematurely and finds ways to reduce any hazardous consequences. A Thermal safety engineer is responsible for Risk assessment and management.
MTech graduates can further get into a Doctoral program in Thermal engineering if they wish to work in Research and Development departments in leading companies. Currently, most companies provide funding to R&D departments to create new technologies and redesign existing products.
There are many countries that have a high demand for Thermal Engineering; Some of them are Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Germany and Norway.
Some of the top companies that have demand for Thermal engineers are TATA Motors Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, TCS Ltd, Hindustan Motors, Mercedes Benz, Siemens Ltd, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp, Whirlpool of India Ltd and Schindler.
You can start your path to becoming a Thermal Engineer by enrolling in BTech (Thermal/Mechanical or Chemical engineering) and further participate in internships to gain practical experience.
Thermal engineers can have a variety of roles in a Power plant, starting from design to maintenance of systems in the power plant.
Thermal engineers construct systems that use diverse thermal energy sources to generate chemical, mechanical, or electrical energy. They must be familiar with thermodynamics, fluid physics, and heat and mass transmission.
Thermal engineering is concerned with heat transmission, fluid mechanics, and heating and cooling systems used in the electric power business, vehicle industry, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector.
Introduction to thermal systems engineering, by Moran, Shapiro, Dewitt, Munson and Thermodynamics - an engineering approach, by Cengel and Boles are some of the best books for understanding the basic concepts in Thermal Engineering.
Yes, there are many doctoral courses for Thermal engineering if candidates wish to pursue further studies.
Some of the common entrance exams for BTech courses are JEE Main, MHT CET, VITEEE, AEEE and TANCET etc. The most widely accepted entrance exam for Masters is GATE.
A M.E/MTech in Thermal Engineering is offered by many private and public universities. The tuition fee ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000 per semester depending on the institute.
The average cost of BTech - Thermal engineering is around INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per semester. A BTech course has 8 semesters total of 4 years.
Some of the premier universities teaching Thermal Engineering are California State University USA, Massachusetts Institute of technology USA, Harvard University USA, Berlin Institute of Technology Germany and University of Leeds UK.
There are many scholarships available for qualified candidates for BTech Thermal engineering programmes. There are multiple scholarships available for SC/ST/PwD candidates, although candidates should refer to each institute and their scholarship requirements as it may vary.
To get admission in prominent colleges like IITs, NITs, and others, students must first pass the GATE exams, which are followed by counselling. Certain institutes may conduct a personal interview for final selection.
There are many job opportunities for Thermal engineering graduates. Some of the common jobs are Chief Design Engineer in Thermal Layout, Safety Engineer for Thermal Systems. Design Manager for Thermal and Project Engineer in Solar Thermal Power Plant.
IIT Bombay, IIT Thiruvananthapuram and IIT Madras have leading Thermal Engineering courses for candidates to pursue.
Yes, graduates from Chemical engineering can pursue their masters in Thermal engineering. With this combination they have a wide range of scope working in Chemical plants and production.
Both Thermal and Mechanical engineering go hand-in-hand so candidates can choose either of them based on their interests and preferences. Alternatively candidates can also pursue a BTech in Mechanical engineering with a specialization in Thermal engineering if they wish to dip their toes in both the streams.
The automobile manufacturing, commercial building, and heating, ventilation, and cooling industries are just a few of the many sectors that employ thermal engineers.
Thermal engineers create systems that use thermodynamics to move heat or energy through liquids and gasses and offer heating or cooling. They also examine the systems' robustness and appropriate operation.
Thermal engineering jobs are available in abundance in both public and private sectors. There is an increasing demand for modern engineering with specialization in Thermal engineering as it is one of the core of the Automobile industry.
Candidates who have completed their BTech in either Mechanical or Chemical engineering can pursue M.Tech in Thermal Engineering and it focuses on Thermodynamics and Heat transfer. The course typically lasts for 2 years ( 4 semesters in total).
BTech thermal engineering graduates can get an average salary of INR 4 Lakhs whereas ME Thermal engineering graduates can earn an average of INR 7-8 Lakhs.
Candidates can get into BTech thermal engineering by appearing in some national level exams. The option for direct admissions is also available in certain institutions. Alternatively, Candidates can also pursue a BTech Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Thermal Engineering.
Thermal engineering is a sought after disciple in engineering because of its application in a multitude of industries. Thermal engineering is used from air conditioners in our home to spacecraft and submarines.