OVERVIEW

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of applied thermodynamics and heat transfer, providing the tools needed to understand their applications in the main energy processes and systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the first part of the course, the basic knowledge related to applied thermodynamics is provided. The first and second laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic diagrams for gases and vapors are introduced, and the elementary study of the main direct and reverse thermodynamic cycles, as well as the principles of environmental conditioning, is addressed. The main objectives are to define the thermodynamic quantities involved in both direct and reverse thermodynamic cycles, as well as to focus on their use in defining the thermal performance of these cycles. In the second part of the course, basic elements on heat transfer are provided, with numerous applications to conduction, convection, and radiation problems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the essential knowledge required for the correct use of the fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer, with an emphasis on applications rather than theoretical aspects, thereby contributing to an engineering-oriented education.

By the end of the course, students will:

• know the basic concepts relating to the properties and transformations of thermodynamic systems, mass and energy exchange mechanisms, thermodynamic cycles and heat transfer;
• be able to perform first-law analyses of direct and inverse energy conversion systems and evaluate the efficiency of thermodynamic systems and processes;
• be able to apply the acquired knowledge to solve engineering problems related to energy transformation processes.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Mathematical Analysis and General Physics.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures on the theoretical aspects of the course and numerical exercises.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Thermodynamics

• Introduction to fundamental concepts and definitions, quantities and units of measurement, classification of forms of energy, control volumes.
• Properties and states of matter, phase changes, property tables and diagrams, ideal gas equation of state.
• Types of energy transfer, conservation of energy and the first law of thermodynamics, energy balance analysis for closed and open systems.
• Statements of the second law of thermodynamics, reversible and irreversible processes, heat engines and the Carnot cycle, entropy.
• Thermodynamic cycles: vapour cycles, gas cycles, inverse cycles.
• Fundamentals of energy systems

Heat transfer

• Introduction to heat exchange mechanisms.
• Conduction: thermal conductivity, Fourier’s law for isotropic and homogeneous materials, thermal-electrical analogy.
• Convection: Newton’s law, classification of types of convection, dimensionless parameters and heat transfer correlations.
• Radiation: thermal radiation, Planck’s and Wien’s laws. Definition of black body and grey body, radiative properties of materials. Radiative heat exchange between black and grey surfaces.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Moran MJ, Shapiro HN, Boettner DD, Bailey MB, Munson BR, DeWitt DP. Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics. John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2003
• Çengel YA. Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer. McGraw-Hill, 2007
• Lecture notes provided.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11976/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of two parts:

• A written examination with applied exercises, held during each examination session scheduled in the academic calendar.
• An oral examination aimed at assessing students’ understanding of the course contents and their ability to apply this knowledge to simple problems. The oral examination may be taken only after achieving a passing grade in the written examination.

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link  https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written examination and oral interview.