Mechanical Engineering

ALESSANDRO CORSINI
ALESSIO CASTORRINI

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The aim of this course is to give an illustration of energy conversion systems. The general objectives being the methodologies to approach a systematic study of energy conversion processes, from primary energy sources to fossil-fuel and renewable energy technologies. A special attention is given to the thermodynamic modelling of energy conversion process and to develop the know-how needed for the critical assessment of energy conversion system performance. Energy saving technologies are also considered.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. Knowledge and understanding: To know and to have understood the approaches used for the analysis of energy conversion processes and technologies.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: To use the learned models for resolving real-life problems in energy conversion applications.
3. Making judgement: To understand the most appropriate approach (mathematical and physical) to solve energy-related problems. This is obtained by analysing the alternatives and by selecting the most appropriate for capturing the physics of the problem under scrutiny.
4. Communication skill: To present and defend the acquired knowledge during an oral exam.
5. Learning skill: To use thermodynamic models and energy laws to discuss energy conversion system performance and limitations.

• To understand the approaches used for the analysis of energy conversion
processes and technologies.
• To understand how to use the models learned in the solution of real case studies.
• To understand how to choose the most appropriate methodological approach
(mathematics and physics) in solving problems related to energy conversion processes.
• To understand how to present and defend the knowledge and skills acquired during
an oral interview.
• To understand how to use thermo-fluid dynamic models to evaluate the
performance and limits of energy conversion processes.
• To understand how to characterize a renewable energy source and evaluate the
producibility of a conversion plant from renewable sources and its economic performance
during the life cycle

The prerequisites are listed below:
Fundamentals on Physics and Applied Physics (heat and mass transfer, heat exchangers). MANDATORY
Knowledge of basics hydraulics and fluid-dynamics. MANDATORY

The aim of this course is to give an illustration of energy conversion systems. The general objectives being the methodologies to approach a systematic study of energy conversion processes, from primary energy sources to fossil-fuel and renewable energy technologies. A special attention is given to the thermodynamic modelling of energy conversion process and to develop the know-how needed for the critical assessment of energy conversion system performance. Energy saving technologies are also considered.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
6. Knowledge and understanding: To know and to have understood the approaches used for the analysis of energy conversion processes and technologies.
7. Applying knowledge and understanding: To use the learned models for resolving real-life problems in energy conversion applications.
8. Making judgement: To understand the most appropriate approach (mathematical and physical) to solve energy-related problems. This is obtained by analysing the alternatives and by selecting the most appropriate for capturing the physics of the problem under scrutiny.
9. Communication skill: To present and defend the acquired knowledge during an oral exam.
10. Learning skill: To use thermodynamic models and energy laws to discuss energy conversion system performance and limitations.

The class is dedicated to the following main topics:
- Introduction to the energy conversion, energy sources classification, and problem definition
- Steam power plants, gas turbines power plants, combined cycle power plants.
- Reciprocating internal combustion engines.
- Renewable energy converters.

Impianti convertitori di energia, C. Caputo, ESA, Roma.
La turbina a gas e i cicli combinati, G. Lozza, Ed. Pitagora, Milano.
Lecture notes.

Lectures will be given to introduce and explain the mathematical and methodological approaches used in the study of energy conversion systems.
Lectures will be also dedicated to the computation of practical test cases, dealing with mass and energy balances, and performance computation and optimization in power plants.
Attending of the course is highly recommended.

3 lectures per week.

The evaluation procedure will be carried out with the aim to verify the achievement of the expected goals.
It consists in a written exam dealing with specific objectives (s.o.) nr. 2, 3, 5. The writing of the exam report and its presentation deals with specific objectives nr. 4.
After the positive evaluation of the presentation and the report, the students can discuss the oral exam, where the understanding of the arguments (s.o. nr. 1) and the capability to tackle new problems (s.o. 5) will be properly assessed.

Define the efficiency of a gas turbine power plant as a function of compressor operations and illustrate the derating of performance with ambient temperature.