OVERVIEW

The teaching unit examines the energy and propulsion systems based on fluid machinery. Power generation systems based on steam or gas turbines are analysed, with attention focused on their respective thermodynamic cycles and strategies to optimize energy conversion efficiency. Subsequently, both volumetric and dynamic (turbomachinery) fluid machineries are analysed, with particular attention to operating principles and key design parameters.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module provides the students with the fundamental skills to interpret the processes, as well as the technologies, related to fluid machines, thermal machines and energy conversion systems. This allows the student to master the basic principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics when applied to the design and the analysis of energy conversion equipment, as well as to address the functional behavior of fluid machines.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will be able to select the most appropriate fluid machinery to install in a given plant layout. of the flow physics and structures inside the fluid machinery will allow the student to understand in some detail the operation of the machine and to support him/her in trouble shooting in case of non conformal operation. 

The teaching unit provides the theoretical concepts and skills required by Functions 1, 2, 3, and 4, as outlined in Table A-III/1 and A-III/2 of the STCW Convention (Marine Engineer).

In particular will be provided the basic construction and operation principles of machinery systems, including:

.1 Marine diesel engine
.2 Marine steam turbine
.3 Marine gas turbine
.4 Marine boiler
.5 Other auxiliaries (including pumps, air compressors, heat exchangers)

Additionally, the design features and operating mechanisms of the above machinery and associated auxiliaries will be analysed.

The teaching unit also contributes to enhancing the student’s soft skills, particularly those related to the alphabetic-functional competence

PREREQUISITES

Basic and applied thermodynamics are prerequisites to fully support the understanding of the physical and technical aspects of this teaching unit.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical lectures and numerical application exercises.
Students who are working, or students with certified Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to arrange teaching and examination methods that take individual learning models into account, while respecting the educational objectives.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Thermodynamics review: equations of state (ideal and real), fluid properties, thermodynamic processes (compression and expansion transformations) and efficiency definition.

2. Fundamentals of combustion processes: types of flames and burners, analysis of pollutant emissions and their formation mechanisms.

3. Governing equations of Fluid Dynamics: continuity, energy, momentum and Euler’s equations.

4. Steam plants: thermodynamic cycles, layout and techniques to optimize performance.

5. Principles of design and operation of main components in a steam plant: steam generators, condensers and heat exchangers. The steam turbine is covered in detail in the turbomachinery section.

6. Gas turbines for power generation or propulsion: thermodynamic cycles, layout and methods to improve performance.

7. Combined cycles: thermodynamic cycle, layout and heat recovery steam generator.

8. Classification of fluid machineries and similarity theory.

9. Introduction to turbomachinery theory and 1D Model for axial turbomachinery stages.

10. Axial turbines: architecture of action and reaction stages, control techniques and differences between steam and gas turbines.

11. Axial compressors: architecture and repetitive stages.

12. Radial turbomachinery: layout of centrifugal compressor and radial turbine stages.

13. Pumps: configurations and cavitation phenomena.

14. Internal Combustion Engines: operating principles, thermodynamic cycles, timing diagrams, control systems and supercharging.

15. Volumetric compressors: configurations and control methods.

The teaching unit contributes to one or more of the following specific goals (Sustainable Development Goals) of the ONU 2030 Agenda:

- Objective 4: guarantee an education of quality, equal and inclusive, and opportunity of learning for anyone

- Objective 5: get the gender equity and support women and girls in their learning process

- Objective 14: save and use the oceans, seas and marine resources in the best way for a sustainable development

The teaching unit also contributes to enhancing the student’s transversal skills, particularly alphabetic-functional competences skills.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Course materials provided on AulaWeb

"Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Turbomachinery" by S. L. Dixon

"Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals" by John Heywood

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DAVIDE MARSANO (President)

GIORGIO ZAMBONI

CARLO CRAVERO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10948/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. The exam date can be agreed with the teacher according to the student proposal.

The exam might be online according to the rules from "Regolamento di Ateneo".

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will assess the student's actual level of knowledge and their ability to grasp the most important issues in the design and operation of fluid machines and energy systems.
The exam will focus on three topics covered during the lectures.
The oral exam will also serve to verify the use of appropriate technical language and the potential or limitations of models in their specific field of application.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact the teacher by email to agree the examination date.