B027487 - ENERGY LABORATORY I

Italian

Main parameters to be measured to assess the performance, operation and environmental impact of energy conversion systems and their components. The main techniques and methodologies of measurement and data processing.
Laboratory experience: Measures related to energy systems and/or components. Design of systems and/or components for the measurement chain. Drafting of a single or group report on the specific laboratory experience. Periodic reviews.

Course notes and texts suggested on the notes for the various topics

To provide first level student mechanical engineers with the basic knowledge and approach to laboratory activities involving energy systems and their components, accompanied and supported by visits to some laboratories of the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Florence (DIEF) and/or others.

Delivered expertise:
- Theoretical and applied thermodynamics to energy plants and systems, systems and machines for energy production and conversion (cc4); understanding of the wider multidisciplinary context of engineering with a special focus on problem solving (cc8); understanding of applicable techniques and methods and their limitations including awareness of the non-technical implications of engineering practice (cc10).

Acquired skills:
- choose and apply appropriate analytical, modelling and experimental methods to design, analyse and test fluidised machinery, thermal motors and energy conversion systems (ca4); apply one's knowledge to identify, formulate and solve industrial and specifically mechanical engineering problems, defining specifications, technical, but also social, health and safety, environmental and commercial constraints (ca6); choose and use appropriate tools and methods for the design and production of goods and services, such as modelling software (ca7); use of the English language in the four main communication skills (ca9).

Basic principles of operation and characteristics of the main energy systems and their components,
acquired in the courses of: Energy Systems, Technical Physics, Fluid Dynamics of Machinery, Mechanical Plants

Frontal lessons (max 1 CFU): basic concepts of measurement techniques for the main parameters of interest of the energy and fluid dynamic systems.

Laboratory activities: testing of energy and propulsion systems and components. Design of systems and components for a particular experimental application.

Detailed information and comunications/warnings available on moodle e-l https://e-l.unifi.it/course/view.php?id=5907

Student evaluation involves the realization of a project and/or individual or group reporting related to an experience and/or laboratory activities. It is a single document reporting the design of systems and components of a measurement chain of energy and/or propulsion systems, the results of an experimental campaign on a thermofluidodynamic problem and the analysis of uncertainty on the final results. Comparison with predictive mathematical models of the system and/or component analysed may be expected. Reviews of progress are carried out on a weekly basis.

The final report related to the specific laboratory experience will be discussed, with possible in-depth and one-off questions on particular theoretical/experimental aspects of a general nature included in the course programme.

In the paper discussed, in relation to the specific experience, the student will have to demonstrate:
- The knowledge of thermodynamics, theoretical and applied to energy plants and systems, the knowledge of systems and machines for energy production and conversion (cc4); the understanding of the wider multidisciplinary context of engineering with particular focus on problem solving (cc8); the understanding of the techniques and methods applicable and their limitations including the awareness of the non-technical implications of engineering practice (cc10).
- The ability to choose and apply appropriate analytical, modelling and experimental methods to design, analyse and test fluid machinery, heat engines and energy conversion systems (ca4); the ability to apply one's knowledge to identify, formulate and solve industrial and specifically mechanical engineering problems, defining specifications, technical, but also social, health and safety, environmental and commercial constraints (ca6); the ability to choose and use appropriate tools and methods for the design and production of goods and services, such as modelling software tools (ca7); the ability to use English in the four main communication skills (ca9).

Summary of the main parameters needed to assess the performance, operation and environmental impact of energy conversion systems and their components (about 10 h).
Fundamental and derived variables
Measurement instruments
Sensitive quantities and uncertainty of a measurement instrument, end scale
Conversion of basic measurements into electrical signals (voltage - current): Calibration
The propagation of uncertainty in a measurement chain
Pressure measurement
Basic Concepts
The main instruments and applications: pressure gauges, barometers, transducers
Application examples
Temperature measurement
Basic Concepts
The main instruments and applications: thermometers, thermocouples, resistance thermometers
Application examples
Flow measurement
Basic Concepts
The main instruments and applications: diaphragms, flanges, nozzles, orifices, venturi meters, meters, rotameters
Application examples
Measurement of flow velocity
Basic Concepts
The main instruments and applications: pneumatic directional and non-directional probes (Pitot, cobra probes)
Application examples
Main mechanical measures: power and torque
Basic Concepts
The main instruments and applications: load, torque transducers, speed meters and angular positioners
Application examples

Laboratory experience (approx. 20 h)
Measures related to energy systems and/or components. Design of systems and/or components for the measurement chain. Drafting of a single or group report on the specific laboratory experience. Periodic reviews.

TOT about 30 h (10 classes+ 20 laboratory)