The two main goals of the course are:

1) review relevant basic principles and tools for the analysis of energy conversion systems

2) develop the capability to analyze, model and assess the performance of conventional as well as innovative systems for the production of electricity and heat.

Among the energy conversion technologies, particular emphasis is given to steam cycles, gas turbines, combined cycles, since they account for essentially all the electricity now generated by central power stations and are likely to maintain such role in the future. A significant part of the course deals also with renewable energies, being one of the most promising options for pollution and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.

Knowledge and understanding

The students is able to describe the main characteristics and features of the different power generation systems (main components description, typical size, etc.)

The student is able to describe qualitatively and with the use of appropriate mathematical equations the main conversion processes occurring in the components of the different power generation systems. 

The student knows the energy performance indexes used in the energy analysis of power generation systems.

The student knows and is able to describe with proper mathematical equations how the most important design parameters of the different presented power generation systems and components influence their performance/size . 

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student is able to solve energy and mass balances applied to the key components of different power generation systems.

The student is able to evaluate the energetic performance of different power generation systems with proper energy performance indexes.

Making judgements

The student is able to compare the features of two different energy conversion systems.

The student is able to judge the influence of the different design/operating parameters of power generation systems and components on their performance.

1. Energy scenario: seminar giving an overview of world energy demand, production, expected evolution.

2. Fuels and combustions: Basic properties of fossil fuels, stoichiometry and energy balance of combustion reactions, evaluation of parameters relevant for the assessment of the performance of fossil fuel-fired energy systems.

3. Steam Cycles: Basic thermodynamic features and configuration. Regeneration and reheat. Optimization of operating parameters. Interaction between cycle parameters, scale and turbo-machine performance. Architecture and basic issues of steam generators. Material issues. Modern Ultra-Super-Critical plants.

4. 1st and 2nd Law analysis: Energy balances of energy conversion systems. Fundamentals of 2nd Law analysis. Applications to the basic processes encountered in energy conversion systems. Reactive systems and combustion.

5. Gas turbines and combined cycles: Basic thermodynamic features and configuration of Joule cycles. Regeneration, intercooling and reheat. Choice of cycle parameters vs type of duty and application. Material issues and blade cooling. Motivation and basic features of combined cycle configuration. Heat Recovery Steam Generators.

6. Cogeneration: Meaning and motivation of cogeneration. Applications to steam cycles, gas turbine and combined cycles, internal combustion engines. District heating applications. Performance indexes.

7. Internal combustion Engines: Classification (2 o 4 Strokes engine, spark-ignition engine or compression ignition engines). Ideal and effective thermodynamic cycles. Applications.

8. Renewable energies: the potential of renewable energies: current situation and future scenarios. Fundamentals of Wind Energy (theory, wind turbines types and applications, sizing criteria), fundamentals of geothermal energy (type of geothermal source, power plant types, geothermal fluids), Fundamentals of Solar Energy (the solar radiation, the solar angles, Solar PV energy fundamentals, Solar CSP energy fundamentals). Overview of other renewables (tidal, OTEC, mini-hydro, Biomass)

The students attending the course of Power generation systems should have basic notions about Thermodynamics.

The course is organized in theoretical lectures and 6-8 tutorials. During tutorials exercises on the different power generation systems are theoretically and numerically solved. 

The exam will consist in a written test and in an oral test. 

Optional: students in small groups can discuss a short presentation on a topic related to Renewable Energies.