Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course the student will know main methods for numerical analysis and solutions to implement them in a computer program for the simulation of the behaviour and operational characteristics of Fluid Machinery and Power/Energy Plants.
Applying Knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to understand how a computer program operates, identify solutions and critical aspect with particular reference to the simulation of the behaviour of Fluid Machinery and Energy Systems.
Making judgments:
The student will have tools to critically evaluate the validity of a simulation model and the applications where it can be, or not, used to simulate the behaviour of Fluid Machinery and Energy Systems.
Communication skills:
The student must have the capability to clearly present the main features of developed models and computer programs and the results obtained through the use of block diagrams, tables and graphs.
Learning skills:
The student will be able, starting from the basic knowledge acquired in the course, to get by himself information and techniques on the continuous improvement of mathematical models and numerical methods used for the simulation of Fluid Machinery and Energy Systems that can be studied and/or proposed on the market, thus continuously updating their skills on systems simulation.
Prerequisites
Student should have acquired sufficient knowledge of the courses of Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Machinery and Power Plants and the know -how to use spreadsheets.
Course unit content
The course covers aspects that are the foundation of a mathematical tool for the simulation of Fluid Machinery and Energy Systems. In a first phase fundamentals on the operation of actual computers (with reference to both HW and SW) will be explained. Functions and operations of CPU, RAM, BIOS, OS, etc. will be described together with the internal representation of numbers and how they manage HW resources.
In a second step the FORTRAN programming language will be introduced, using LPG compilers that are located in the network system under Windows and/or Linux, providing basic information needed to write a simple program, e.g., the realization of look-up tables with interpolation functions for specific sets of data (i.e., those used in the development of “black-box” models of Fluid Machinery and components of Power Plants). Then methods for the implementation of polynomials, numerical search of solutions of functions that cannot be solved analytically, integrals evaluation, etc., will be considered.
Finally, step by step methods will be described to implement a program that simulate the behaviour of evolution of complex Power Plants as, for example, the operation of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, modeled as a 1-D system with k, Cp, Cv variables and walls heat exchange. Methods to present the theoretical results in graphical form with the aid of spreadsheet and slides directly interfaced with the models will be described.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Theory and applications of numerical analysis, Francis Scheld, Necklace Schaum, ETAS books
Numerical and statistical methods for applied sciences, Valeriano Comincioli, FAR
Manuals on-line FORTRAN 77/90/95: http://www.cerca-manuali.it/manuale-guida/fortran.htm
Teaching methods
The theoretical part of the course will be illustrated through lectures developed directly on own PC. During the lesson, students are continually challenged to propose solutions to arising problems, to discuss the validity of the proposed solution, to compare different solutions, developing their own programs and models during lectures. With the progress of the course this aspect becomes more prevalent on the theoretical part. Moreover, students at the end of each lesson are required to complete a specific task that will have to submit to the next lesson.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam is based on the development of a specific program which comply with assigned tasks, and on this student will be judged. If a sufficient score is reached, the work will be considered as a written assignment and the student can decide if accept the related score or undergo a further verification, that will be based on the development of a computer program which has to accomplish a task similar to those carried out during the course.
Other information
Attendance to the course lectures and to the presentation of numerical examples is highly recommended.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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