Energy Systems 2020/2021

The students will be introduced to the main principles of energy conversion systems, with particular reference to steam and gas turbine power plants, combined cycle power plants and hydroelectric power generation.

More specifically, the following topics will be addressed:

• Introduction

Thermodynamic properties of fuels and combustion processes. Analysis of energy system components and of thermodynamic cycles based on 1st and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics.

• Hydroelectric power generation

Hydraulic turbines: classification, operating parameters, performance characteristics.

Hydroelectric plant layouts. Pumped storage hydroelectricity.

• Steam power plants

Analysis of ideal and real thermodynamic cycles. Choice of operating parameters and techniques to improve plant efficiency: steam reheating, regenerative feed heating. Plant layouts.

• Gas turbine power plants

Analysis of ideal and real thermodynamic cycles. Choice of operating parameters and techniques to improve plant efficiency or performance: regenerative heat exchanger, reheaters, intercoolers. Plant layout of heavy-duty and aeroderivative turbines.

• Combined cycle power plants

Analysis of “topping” (gas turbine) and “bottoming” sections, efficiency, power ratio between gas and steam turbine, plant layout. Thermodynamic optimization of bottoming sections with respect to variable temperature heat sources.

• Energy statistics

Overview of primary energy consumption and electric energy generation, worldwide and on national levels, with a particular focus on the Italian energy generation scenario.