The course aims to show the characteristics of thermal and hydrodynamic machines. It deals with a theoretical and a descriptive part. Particular attention is focused on the choice of the most appropriate machinery in order to maximize plant efficiency. Through the systematic application of the principles of thermo-fluid-dynamics to machine components, the module provides the students with the ability to choose engineering-plant solutions in energy conversion systems related to their applications. The module also aims at supplying the performance operations of the energy system in which the thermal and hydraulic machines are inserted.

The student should be able to critically analyze thermal and hydraulic machines, with reference to their employment in design conditions and to carry out a preliminary design for steam turbine, gas turbine and reciprocating engine power plants in order to determine their performance.

It is necessary to be familiar with the topics covered in the course of Fundamentals Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat transfer and Mechanics.

Introduction on fluid machines and power plants: definitions and classifications. Thermodynamic and Fluid-dynamic fundamentals.
Mass flow rate in nozzles and diffusers.
Euler's equation for turbomachines. Impulse and reaction turbines: main components and triangles of velocity; ideal and actual behaviour, specific work and efficiency. Velocity compounded impulse steam-turbine (Curtis turbine)
Centrifugal and axial gas compressors: specific work, mass flow rate and absorbed power; characteristic curve. Centrifugal pumps: work head required, efficiency and adsorbed power; pump characteristic, cavitation. Flow rate control methods.
Volumetric gas compressors: reciprocating compressor, ideal working cycle, characteristic losses and actual working cycle. Mass flow rate and absorbed power. Rotating compressors (rotary vane and Roots compressors): actual working cycle and absorbed power. Mass flow rate control methods for volumetric compressors. Reciprocating and rotating pumps.
Power plants analysis: thermodynamic cycles and efficiency definitions. Example of a cogeneration power plant with reciprocating internal combustion engine and steam power plant or turbogas

The classroom training consists in solving exercises and practical problems by applying the concepts covered in the lessons. The aim of the training is to give the students the order of magnitude of the main parameters and to improve their degree of understanding.

The lectures subjects and text of exercises are available on Corse website.
The student must provide for steam Mollier chart and related data sheets.


Reference textbooks for improving the study
A. Capetti: Motori Termici. Ed. UTET, 1967.
A.E. Catania: Complementi di macchine. Ed. Levrotto & Bella, 1979.
G. Cornetti: Macchine a Fluido, Ed. Il Capitello, 2006.
G. Cornetti. R. della Volpe: Macchine. Ed. Liguori, 2011.
Diagrammi termodinamici/Tabelle del vapore d’acqua.

The exam is made up of a written test and it is composed of practical problems and open-ended questions related to the theory; the test duration is 3 hours.
During the exam a clipboard book is allowed for the practical problems part only