31392 - Applied Thermodynamics

Learning outcomes

The aim of the Course is to provide a clear and rigorous knowledge of the foundations of thermodynamics, of energy and entropy balances for a control volume, of the thermodynamic properties of pure substances and mixtures, of the principal thermodymanic cycles. This knowledge is a conceptual basis for the study of energy-conversion and energy-transfer systems, as well as of thermal-control and igrometric-control units.

Course contents

Foundations of thermodynamics

Basic definitions. First law and definition of property energy. Energy balance for a closed system. Simple system, internal energy and enthalpy. Second law. Definition of thermodynamic temperature. Definition of property entropy. Principle of entropy nondecrease. Entropy flux and entropy production. Gibbs equation. Phase rule. Heat engines and refrigeration units between two heat reservoirs.

 

Energy and entropy balance for a control volume

Quasi-simple system. Hypothesis of local thermodynamic equilibrium. Energy and entropy balance for a control volume. Combined balance and flow availability. Examples.

 

Properties of pure substances

Helmholtz free energy and Gibbs free energy. Thermodynamic relations. Specific heats (or specific heat capacities). State equation and diagrams [p.T], [p,v]. Ideal gases: equation of state and deduction of Joule's law; changes of internal energy, of enthalpy, of entropy; values of specific heats. Properties of liquids. Properties of saturated vapours. Clapeyron equation. Properties of real gases. Diagrams [T,s], [h.s], [p.h].

 

Properties of mixtures

Properties of ideal-gas mixtures. Mixing entropy. Mixtures of air and water-vapour: humidity ratio and relative humidity, enthalpy versus humidity-ratio diagram, mixing of two streams of moist air, psychrometric chart.

 

Thermodynamic cycles

Rankine cycle. Refrigeration cycle.

Readings/Bibliography

1) E. ZANCHINI: “Dispensa per l'insegnamento Termodinamica Applicata L, CdL Ingegneria Energetica”. Copies available at: Biblioteca della Facoltà di Ingegneria.
 

2) S. LAZZARI, B. PULVIRENTI, E. ROSSI DI SCHIO: “Esercizi risolti di Termodinamica, Moto dei Fluidi e Termocinetica” (Esculapio, Bologna, 2006).

Teaching methods

Lectures in classroom with the aid of audiovisual devices; exercises in classroom; discussions in classroom; measurements in the laboratory.

Assessment methods

The assessment method is an oral examination which includes the discussion of a topic of the theory and an exercise.

Teaching tools

Audiovisual systems; laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, Department DIENCA, Via Terracini 34

Office hours

See the website of Enzo Zanchini