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

Introduction and historical framework. Basic definitions. Zeroth law and empirical temperature. First law and definition of property energy. Heat interaction. Energy balance for a closed system. Schematization of processes, thermal reservoir. Second law: Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements. Definition of thermodynamic temperature. Clausius inequality. Definition of property entropy. Principle of entropy nondecrease. Highest entropy principle. Entropy flux and entropy production. Simple system. Internal energy. Fundamental relation. Gibbs equation. Phase rule. Closed simple systems: enthalpy, specific heat capacities, Helmoltz free energy, Gibbs free energy, Maxwell relations. Heat engines and refrigeration units between two thermal 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

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 heat capacities. 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.

The oral examination can be replaced by a written one, which takes place a few days after the last lecture.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Enzo Zanchini