Topic 3.4 Energy use in transport systems (60 GLH)

Movement from place to place requires energy. Humans are unique in creating a multitude of ways to improve their ability to move from place to place. Society depends on many forms of transport, often over large distances, for access to food supplies, essential services and for leisure activities. Transport systems rely on infrastructure as well as vehicles. They are complex and place high demands on energy resources and other raw materials. Their design and management can be modelled to take account of logistical challenges and human behaviour. Reduction of energy balanced with safety and reliability will contribute to more efficient and sustainable transport systems.

People and organisations involved in harnessing new technologies to improve transport systems include industrial laboratories and design departments, university research departments and a wide range of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians working in both the public and the private sectors.

The purpose of this topic is to allow learners to apply their understanding of the way in which scientific principles are used in the design and implementation of transport systems. Learners will study the mechanics of movement including resistive forces, and propulsion systems. Through exploring the factors that affect the efficiency and safety of transport systems, including human behaviour, they will have the opportunity to analyse data from a range of sources and be able to propose and test improvements.

This topic could provide an opportunity for learners to work in teams.

Learners must know and understand:

1. the principles of kinematics and dynamics applied to transport systems

2. how mechanical energy is generated in modes of transport (land, water and air) including electric motors and internal and external combustion engines

3. how science is used to improve efficiencies and increase safety in transport systems including maximising capacity, infrastructure design, the reduction of fuel demand, improved engine and transmission technologies, and materials design

4. how ICT is used to support the design of safe, efficient and effective transport systems

5. the impact of human behaviour on the design of safe and effective transport systems

6. the relationship between energy resources required for transport systems and overall energy consumption and balancing supplies with demand

7. quantification of energy consumption and calculation of the efficiency of energy transfer

8. developments in cells (including chemical and batteries, fuel cells, nuclear batteries and photovoltaic cells, energy inputs and outputs and efficiency) and techniques to determine their performance characteristics

9. techniques for assessing the impact of design and construction changes on safety and efficiency in transport systems including modelling techniques that take account of patterns of use.

Learners must be able to:

1. use secondary sources to explore the limitations of aspects of transport systems and their impact on safety and efficiency

2. propose an improvement to an aspect of a transport system

3. design an investigation of a proposed improvement

4. carry out an investigation of a proposed improvement

5. evaluate the limitations of the investigation.

In order to engage with this topic effectively, learners must use the following PLTS:

• independent enquirers
• creative thinkers.