Through the systematic application of the principles of thermo-fluid-dynamics to energy conversion systems and their components, the module provides the students with the ability not only to choose engines and engineering-plant solutions in relation to their applications, but also to approach and solve specific design problems by integrating the concepts acquired through the module with advanced notions on related topics. The subject gives the elements to face and individually solve specific problems for the design and control of hydraulic and thermal machines. It also provides the basic knowledge to study and deepen the issues for specialist employment of fluid flow machines.

The knowledge acquired through the subjects of Hydraulic and Thermal Machines Fundamentals is required, along with the basic notions of Thermodynamics and Thermokinetics, Applied Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics.

- Principles of energy conversion; thermodynamics of fluid-flow machines and energy systems. - Heating values and their application to thermodynamic analysis of combustion. Constant-volume and constant-pressure combustion in ideal and real processes; combustion in steady-state flows. - Gas compressors: performance characteristics, instability of the working conditions, surge and stall; control in the turbo-compressor. - Displacement compressors: reciprocating piston compressor, sliding vane compressor, Roots blower: constitution, performance and control. - Hydraulic turbines; hydraulic pumps. Fluid-flow similarity and characteristic curves. Control in pumps. Parallel and series connection of dynamic pumps to piping system. Pump cavitation, allowable suction head and permissible suction lift. - Positive displacement pumps and motors; torque hydrostatic transmissions; hydraulic joints and hydrodynamic converters - Organization of multistage steam turbines. - Off-design performance analysis of blades. Evaluation and representation of the operational range of a turboexpander. - Turbine performance map of a turbomachinery and simplified formulas for its evaluation; consumption characteristics. - Control methods for steam turbines. Operational range of back pressure and extraction steam turbines. - Gas turbine plants; analysis of ideal and actual cycles; effects of operating variables on the efficiency of the gas-turbine cycle; schemes to improve cycle efficiency. Combined power plants and cogeneration plants. - Performance characteristics of a gas turbine; control in gas turbine plants and in cogeneration plants. - Internal combustion engines: cycle analysis with ideal gas working fluid; fuel-air cycle analysis; actual engine cycles; valve-timing and valve-lift diagrams; power output, mechanical efficiency, volumetric efficiency and engine operating parameters; correction factors for power and volumetric efficiency; control characteristic and WOT mechanical characteristic for SI and CI engines. Turbocharging the internal combustion engines. - Exhaust emissions of ICEs. Overview of emission formation mechanisms: formation of CO and oxide nitrogen. Regulation framework of ICE emissions.

APPLIED LECTURES PROGRAMME The classroom training consists in solving exercises and practical problems by applying the concepts covered in the lectures. The aim of training is to give the students the order of magnitude of the main parameters and to improve their degree of understanding. LABORATORY WORK PROGRAMME Engine workshops. Analysis of fluid-flow engines and instrumentation present in the Engine Laboratory of Energy Department. Experimental tests on the dynamometric rig of an internal combustion engine.

a) reference books: - A.E. Catania, Complementi di Macchine, Ed. Levrotto & Bella, Torino, 1979. - G. Ferrari, Motori a combustione interna, Il Capitello, 1995. - G. Lozza, Turbine a gas e cicli combinati, Progetto Leonardo, 2007. b) Notes available c/o il Centro Stampa del Politecnico: - A.E. Catania, Turbocompressori, ACSV (Appunti dai Corsi Seminariali di Vercelli), Ed. CGVCU (Comitato per la Gestione in Vercelli dei Corsi Universitari), 1990. - A.E. Catania, Compressori volumetrici, ACSV, Ed. CGVCU, 1991. - A.E. Catania, Turbine idrauliche, ACSV, Ed. CGVCU, 1992. - A. Mittica, Turbomacchine idrauliche operatrici, ACV, Ed. CGVCU, 1994.

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

The exam consists of a written and an oral test and aims to verify the comprehension of the topics covered in lectures. The written test will last 2 hours and 20 min. There are 2 numerical exercises related to plants or fluid machines studied during the lectures. Each exercise contributes with the same weight to the final evaluation of the written part. It is possible to use a personal formula data sheet (A4 format). The minimum mark of the written test in order to proceed with the oral test is 12/30. The oral test can be a possible discussion of the written test and answers to questions related to topics developed during the lectures. The exam length depends on the student’s knowledge. The final mark is determined as an average of the results obtained for the written part and the oral part.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.