SISTEMI ENERGETICI

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: MICHELE MESSINA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course introduces various energy sources and their respective conversions and transformations through lectures and numerical exercises. Specifically, basic concepts of applied thermodynamics for energy conversion systems will be provided, including an overview of power-producing and power-absorbing fluidmachinery, as well as electrical power generation systems. Furthermore, the course will cover Energy Systems topics focused on defossilization and environmental sustainability, specifically relating to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, and others. The course objectives also include the transfer of specific knowledge that the students must demonstrate to have acquired, with the aim of preparing them for industrial roles in design, maintenance, and management within the Energy Systems and Environment sector.

The acquired skills are applicable in the fields of industry and sustainable development, in alignment with Goals 9 and 11 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Dublin Descriptors:

The student will acquire independent judgment in understanding the sector's design solutions, alongside theability to identify and utilize computational codes required for problem-solving. Furthermore, they will develop astrong aptitude for keeping their technical knowledge up-to-date and will be capable of proposing, evaluating, and comparing technical solutions within industrial contexts. Students will also be able to collaborate effectively within workgroups to achieve project objectives, and to communicate the results of their activities through technical reports and notes. Additionally, they will be capable of interfacing with operational personnel and non-expert audiences. Finally, they will acquire the ability to adapt to technological advancements in the mechanical sector related to electrical engineering, and to autonomously update their design knowledge with  a specific focus on sustainability.

Course Structure

Lectures (28 hours) and numerical exercises (30 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.

Required Prerequisites

Technical Physics (Educational) (Mandatory)

Attendance of Lessons

Pursuant to Article 27 – Attendance of educational activities of the University Didactic Regulations (RDA), attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend at least 70% of the scheduled hours for each


individual course, except as provided for by Article 30 – Working students, student-athletes, students in vulnerable situations, with disabilities, and in detention of the RDA.

Detailed Course Content

Course Content

Theory (h)

Practice (h)

Lecture Notes & Textbook References

Course Introduction

Classification of Energy Systems, Classification of Fluid Machinery, Renewable Energy Sources

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 1-2 / Course slides

First Principle of Thermodynamics

Energy equation

1

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 2 / Course slides

Applications of the First Principle

Applications of the energy equation

4

Practice Slides I

Thermodynamic Transformations

Compression and expansion work

1

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 7 / Course slides

Applications of Thermodynamic Transformations

Applications of work equations

4

Practice Slides I

Fundamental Outflow Equations

1

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 2 / Course slides

Nozzle Gas Dynamics

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 6 / Course slides

Euler's Equation and Corollary

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 2 / Course slides

Exercises on Nozzle Gas Dynamics

4

Practice Slides I

Overview of Gas and Steam Turbines

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 8 / Course slides

Hydroelectric Plants & Hydraulic Turbines

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 5 / Course slides

Exercises on Hydroelectric Plants and Hydraulic Turbines

4

Practice Slides II

Overview of Working Machines (Compressors/Pumps)

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 4-7 / Course slides

Exercises on Working Machines

2

Practice Slides III

Combined Cycles and Cogeneration

2

V. Dossena Macchine a Fluido: CH 11 / Course slides

Applications of Combined Cycles and Cogeneration

2

Practice Slides IV

Solar Energy

Solar thermal, thermodynamic, and photovoltaic systems

2

M. Bianchi Sistemi Energetici: CH 4

Applications of Solar Energy

3

Practice Slides V

Wind Energy

2

M. Bianchi Sistemi Energetici: CH 3

Applications of Wind Energy

3

Practice Slides V

Sea Energy (Energy from the Sea)

2

M. Bianchi Sistemi Energetici: CH 2

Applications of Sea Energy

2

Practice Slides V

Textbook Information

[1]  Vincenzo Dossena et al. "Macchine a Fluido" - Città Studi Edizioni

[2]  Michele Bianchi et al. "Sistemi Energetici - Complementi" - Pitagora Editrice Bologna

[3]  Bent Sørensen Renewable Energy, Academic Press

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Introduction to Fluid Machineries and Energy Systems[1]
2Combined cycles and Cogeneration[1] [2]
3Renewable Energies[2] [3]

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The examination consists of an oral exam.

Throughout the lectures, practical exercises on the course content are conducted, aiming to focus the students' attention on relevant engineering problems. Both these practical exercises and the theoretical topics covered during the lectures will be discussed during the oral exam. The evaluation during the oral interview will be based on: knowledge of the course content, relevance of the answers to the questions posed, mastery of

technical terminology, and the ability to establish connections between different topics within the syllabus. Learning assessments may also be carried out online, should conditions require it.

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal meeting to schedule any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the

educational objectives and their specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration — Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) reference professor of their Department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).


Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

·    Energy equation for open and closed systems

·    Compression and expansion work, recovery and counter-recovery

·    Convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles

·    Euler's equation

·    Hydraulic turbines and pumped-storage systems

·    Photovoltaic system sizing

·    Wind turbine sizing

·    Marine energy and related energy systems