- Docente: Saverio Ottaviano
- Credits: 3
- SSD: ING-IND/08
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Ravenna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Offshore Engineering for Energy Transition (cod. 6056)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Offshore Engineering for Energy Transition (cod. 6056)
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from Mar 05, 2026 to May 14, 2026
Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide basic principles for designing and analysing conventional and non-conventional energy systems based on heat-to-power technologies, with a special focus on non-fossil thermal energy sources. At the end of the course, the students will be able to apply the laws of thermodynamics to the analysis of fluid machines, and to understand the effects of design parameters and boundary conditions on the energy systems’ performance.
Course contents
Offshore energy context: offshore power demands, island operation, safety and environmental drivers.
Gas turbine systems (Brayton cycle): working principle and main components, cycle representation in thermodynamic diagram, performance assessment, effect of pressure ratio and TIT. Focus on the regenerative Bryton cycle.
Heat exchangers and heat recovery basics: types of heat exchangers, heat transfer diagram, effectiveness, pinch-point concept, simplified sizing proxies.
Steam power cycles (Rankine/Hirn) and combined cycles: concept, benefits and offshore limitations (weight/complexity).
Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC): operating principles and applications, working-fluid selection, subcritical ORC modeling, optimization of operating conditions, sensitivity to cooling temperature.
Supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycles: principles, compactness and potential offshore role, simplified modeling concepts.
Readings/Bibliography
- J. H. Horlock, Combined Power Plants.
- Macchi, E., 2017. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Power Systems. Elsevier.
- Negri di Montenegro G., Bianchi M., Peretto A., Sistemi energetici e macchine a fluido, Pitagora 2009 (in
italian).
Teaching methods
Lectures combined with guided numerical exercises.
Assessment methods
Final assessment consists of an independent modeling assignment (individual or small group depending on complexity). Students develop a simplified Matlab model of an offshore-relevant energy system (e.g., waste heat recovery, integrated cycles), perform parametric/optimization studies, and deliver results as plots and short technical discussion.
Teaching tools
Matlab (or compatible environment) and CoolProp library for thermodynamic properties.
Office hours
See the website of Saverio Ottaviano