OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI

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.

OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI (DETTAGLIO) E RISULTATI DI APPRENDIMENTO

At the end of the unit, the student is expected to be able to:

• show an adequate and critical knowledge on machines and energy systems for transport applications, taking into account energy-related and economic issues;
• analyse and compare systems and technologies, discussing criteria for their selection;
• apply theoretical basis and operating principles to manage performance and environmental impact of machines and energy systems.

PREREQUISITI

Basic thermodynamic and fluid dynamics knowledge.

MODALITA' DIDATTICHE

40 hours of lectures, 5 hours of numerical practices.

PROGRAMMA/CONTENUTO

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.

Electric and hybrid propulsion

General overview of electric and hybrid propulsion systems: powertrain configurations,  technical issues, performance, operating range, hybrid categories.

Practices

Calculation of energy systems operating parameters.

TESTI/BIBLIOGRAFIA

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.