Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
At the conclusion of the teaching program, the student will have acquired the ability to recognize the criticality of energy conversion processes. It also will be aware of the main indicators useful for assessing the efficiency of the process analyzed.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to perform both the exergetic and the thermoeconimic analysis of processes which deserve considerable engineering interest. He also will acquire criteria for the evaluation of interventions in the energy field.
Making judgements
The student will have the tools to critically evaluate the energy conversion processes, in relation to both conventional and renewable energy sources.
Communication skills
The student must possess the ability to outline the energy problem by presenting clearly and with properties of language the details of the process and the results of the energy analysis.
Prerequisites
In order to successfully attend the course, the student must have acquired the basics of thermodynamics.
Course unit content
The course consists of two main topics: exergy analysis and thermoeconomic analysis, which are presented in succession. The relevant thermodynamics variables are defined first, then the theoretical framework on which the analysis relies is presented. A great portion of the course is devoted to the analysis of practical situations, from the most simple ones, aimed to a better understanding of the theoretical concepts, to the exergetic and thermoeconomic analysis of complex energy processes.
Full programme
Exergy analysis. Definition of exergy. Physical exergy. Kinetic exergy. Gravitational potential exergy. Physical exergy of an ideal gas. Chemical exergy of a single ideal gas and of a mixture of perfect gases. Exergy balance for a closed system. Flow exergy associated with heat flow. Destruction of exergy. Exergy balance for the open system in steady state. Unit exergy through the open system. Exergy balance for the open system. Exergy of perfect gas flow. Chemical exergy of fuels. Thermodynamic mean temperature. Exergy destruction caused by friction and by heat transfer. Exergy efficiency. Thermoeconomics analysis. Cost of energy resources. Capital cost and maintenance. Balance equation of costs. Level of aggregation of the system. Thermoeconomics parameters: average cost of product and fuel; cost of the destruction of exergy; relative increase of cost; exergoeconomic factor.
Bibliography
Recommended book:
Thermal design and optimization, A. Bejan, G. Tsatsaronis, M. Moran, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Additional documents available in CampusNet web-site: copy of the presented slides and corse notes.
Teaching methods
Both the theoretical framework and the development of simple problems and case studies will be carried out in the classroom, with the help of the slide projector.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of two distinct phases: a written test, consisting in solving simple problems such as those discussed during the course (50% weighting), an oral test, consisting in the eventual discussion on the written test and insights into the theory developed during the course (50% weighting).
Other information
Further information is available on campusnet.unipr.it
