SISTEMI PER L'ENERGIA E L'AMBIENTE

The Energy Systems and Environment course is divided into three parts:

In the first part, the course aims to provide engineering students with the educational tools regarding the basic concepts of Energy Systems and the related issue of environmental impact. Renewable energy sources are then discussed as a sustainable alternative, specifically solar (with particular reference to photovoltaics, solar thermal, and concentrated solar power), wind, and marine energy. The course also provides the foundations for understanding issues related to energy storage and the generation of hydrogen as an energy carrier. With a view to the defossilization of automotive fuels, the course offers an overview of production technologies for biofuels, e-fuels, and ammonia, as well as the use of hydrogen in fuel cells for electrical power generation. Students will acquire analytical and synthesis skills through in-depth bibliographic research on the covered topics, appropriately reworked into PowerPoint presentations.

In the second part, the course addresses the topic of innovative propulsion systems, such as electric, hybrid, and fuel cell powertrains. In particular, series, parallel, and series-parallel hybrid architectures are explored in depth, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Students are provided with the tools for modeling hybrid vehicles aimed at implementing simulation models in the MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape environment, through classroom exercises developed by the students. Finally, an overview of energy management algorithms and related optimization methods is presented.

In the third part, the course provides students with the fundamental concepts of applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Specifically, through both a theoretical and a practical-applicative approach, students will learn to use the ANSYS Fluent CFD simulation software and profitably apply it to engineering problems, with specific attention to the Energy Systems studied in the first part. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to obtain the professional certification issued by ANSYS.

The acquired skills can be applied within the industrial and sustainable development sectors, in accordance with Goals 9 and 11 of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Dublin Descriptors:

The student will acquire autonomy of judgment in understanding design solutions within the sector, the ability to identify, implement, and use computational codes necessary for problem-solving, an inclination to continuously update their technical knowledge in the field, and the ability to propose, evaluate, and compare technical solutions in industrial contexts. Furthermore, students will be capable of interacting with working groups to achieve project objectives, transferring the results of their activities through technical reports and memos, and communicating effectively with both the technical workforce and less specialized stakeholders. Finally, they will acquire the ability to adapt to technological evolution in the mechanical sector related to electrical engineering, and to independently update their design knowledge with a particular focus on sustainability.

Lectures (28 hours) and numerical exercises (65 hours)

Should the course be delivered in blended or distance learning modes, necessary modifications to the aforementioned statements may be introduced in order to adhere to the planned program outlined in this syllabus.

Fluid Machineries (Cultural) (Important)

• Introduction to Energy Systems and Environment
• Renewable Energy Sources
• Solar Energy: photovoltaics,thermal and Thermodynamics
• Wind Energy
• Marine Energy
• Energy storage systems
• Hydrogen as energy carrier
• Technologies for Hydrogen generation
• Biofuels, e-fuels and ammonia
• Fuel cells
• Innovative propulsion systems: full electric, hybrid and fuel cells
• Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

1) Bianchi, Melillo, Peretto – Sistemi Energetici. Complementi – PITAGORA EDITRICE BOLOGNA

2) Bianchi, De Pascale, Gambarotta, Peretto - Sistemi Energetici. Impatto ambientale - PITAGORA EDITRICE BOLOGNA

3) Islam, Roy, Rahman, Saifur - Renewable Energy and the Environment –SPRINGER

4) Bent Sørensen Renewable Energy, Academic Press

5) Mézian Boudellal - Power to gas - De Gruyter

6) L. Guzzella, A. Sciarretta: Vehicle Propulsion Systems, Introduction to Modeling and Optimization. Springer

7) Ansys Fluent getting started training

8) Ferziger J.H., Peric M., Street R.L., Computational Methods for Fluid Dynamics, Springer

9) Dispense del corso

The exam consists of an oral examination, which requires the preparation of PowerPoint presentations covering the three parts of the course. 

During the lectures, practical exercises on the course contents are conducted using simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape for modeling hybrid vehicles and ANSYS Fluent for computational fluid dynamics. These exercises aim to focus the students' attention on practical problems of engineering interest, specifically concerning hybrid vehicles and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). 

Both the practical exercises and the topics covered during the lectures will be the subject of discussion during the oral exam. 

The evaluation during the oral interview will be based on: knowledge of the course contents, the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the appropriate use of technical terminology, and the ability to make connections among the topics in the syllabus. 

Learning assessment may also be carried out remotely (online) should conditions require it. 

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and their specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration — Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) reference professor within their Department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Presentation of a technical report on Energy Systems

Presentation of a technical report on Hybrid Propulsion using MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape

Presentation of a technical report on CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent

Sizing and analysis of solar energy systems

Sizing of wind power plants

Sizing of marine energy systems

Hydrogen: generation, integration with renewable energy sources, electrolytic cells, and storage systems

Production techniques for biofuels, e-fuels, and ammonia, and their automotive applications

CFD simulation techniques using ANSYS Fluent