Energy Systems 2021/2022

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, hydroelectric power generation. More specifically, the following topics will be addressed:

INTRODUCTION

• Review of fluid properties and equations of state.
• Analysis of combustion processes.
• Analysis of energy conversion systems based on 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics.
• Thermodynamic cycles: definition of net work output and thermal efficiency; external and internal irreversibilities; efficiency factors; exergy analysis.

HYDROPOWER

• Hydraulic turbines: classification, operating parameters, performance characteristics.
• Hydroelectric plant classification and layouts, applications.

STEAM POWER PLANTS

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

GAS TURBINE POWER PLANTS

•  Analysis of ideal and real thermodynamic cycles.
• Choice of operating parameters and techniques to improve performance: regenerative heat exchanger, reheaters, intercoolers.
• Layout of heavy-duty and aeroderivative turbines, applications.

COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANTS

• Analysis of “topping” (gas turbine) and “bottoming” sections, definition of recovery efficiency.
• Thermodynamic optimization of bottoming sections with variable temperature heat input.
• Plant layout, applications.