OVERVIEW

The unit deals with the most relevant topics related to machines and energy systems applied in the transport and logistics sector, analyzing their working principles, operating and technical issues and the relevant environmental impact.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims at providing the knowledge on the main types of machines, with particular reference to those used in transport and logistic systems as well as on the energy systems and environmental impact of power generation. The main design and operating aspects of the most important power plant systems are described, including combustion processes and pollutant emissions formation processes.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Specific objectives of the unit are:

• to provide an adequate and critical knowledge on machines and energy systems for transport applications, taking into account energy-related and economic issues.
• To develop skills for the analysis and comparison of systems and technologies, providing criteria for their selection.

TEACHING METHODS

48 hours of lectures, 6 hours of numerical practices.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lectures

General aspects

Primary energy sources and their transformations - Energy consumption worldwide and in Italy - Energy, transport and environment indicators.

Fundamentals for the study of machines and energy systems

Fluid machines classification – Work exchange in volumetric machines and turbomachines – Conversion efficiency in fluid machines – Thermodynamic cycles - Thermal power plants overall efficiency - Specific fuel consumption.

Combustion processes and pollutant emissions formation

Conventional and alternative fuels and their specifications – Air-fuel ratio and lower heating value – Combustion processes: general aspects and classifications, premixed and diffusion flames – Pollutants formation processes and their effect on health and environment.

Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)

ICE classification, engine components, nomenclature, operational parameters – Ideal and real operation of 2 and 4 stroke engines – Reference thermodynamic cycles for SI and diesel engines – Engine power correlations – Combustion processes in ICE – Engine performance maps – Supercharging and turbocharging – ICE pollutant emissions control.

Positive displacement compressors and pumps

Reciprocating and rotary displacement compressors: operating principle, constructive characteristics, ideal and real working cycle, flow rate control systems – Volumetric pumps: alternative and rotary machines, working principle, construction types – Characteristic curves – Fluid machine-circuit matching.

Gas turbine power plants

General aspects, open and closed circuit plants – Gas cycles: ideal and fuel-air and real cycle – Maximum efficiency and specific work condition – Gas turbine power plants for aeronautical and industrial application – Gas turbine power plant components: compressor, combustion chamber, expander.

Innovative propulsion systems

Hybrid propulsion: hybrid system configurations, hybrid categories (start-&-stop, micro, mild, full hybrid systems) – Electric propulsion: advantages/disadvantages, performance, operating range, costs – Fuel cell application to propulsion systems.

Environmental aspects of power generation

Chemical, thermal and noise pollution – Emissions and environment: main air quality issues – Environmental impact of gas turbine and internal combustion engines – Emission control systems and after-treatment devices.

Practices

Calculation of energy systems operating parameters.

Examples of operational design. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Notes on different topics discussed in lectures will be provided by the teacher.

Y. Demirel – Energy: Production, Conversion, Storage, Conservation and Coupling – 2nd Edition, Springer, 2016.

S.L. Dixon – Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Turbomachinery – 4th Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998.

B. Miller – Fossil fuel emissions control technologies – Butterworth-Heinemann, 2015.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIORGIO ZAMBONI (President)

MASSIMO CAPOBIANCO

SILVIA MARELLI

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Examination is based on an oral test, proposing at least two questions, selecting their subject among the unit topics.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Questions and discussions during lectures and practices. Students are solicited to compare technical options with a critical approach.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Pre-requisites

Basic thermodynamic and fluid dynamics knowledge.