Knowledge of the structural, functional, and operational characteristics of various types of power plants. Ability to determine the main plant parameters (through energy balances and techno-economic evaluations), with particular focus on the most modern and efficient solutions. Specific understanding of renewable energy sources and their integration into the electrical grid.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, mechanics, machines and electrotechnics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (hours/year in classroom): 45
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of a written test with theoretical questions and exercises related to the topics covered during the course.
Texts
C. Belli. Conversione dell'energia (Manual comprising university lectures and exercises updated annually by the lecturer and available on-line at the website of the University of Pavia, Department of Industrial Engineering). O.Schmidt, I.Staffel. Monetizing Energy Storage
Contents
Energy: general principles, energy sources, energy balances, electricity generation, and European decarbonization targets for the energy system. Electric power grid: frequency and voltage regulation, power balancing, and system stability. Fundamentals of the electricity market. Hydropower plants: plant classification, watercourse utilization plans, plant sizing, associated hydraulic works, hydraulic machinery, and pumped-storage systems. Renewable energy sources: solar energy, wind energy, biomass and waste-to-energy systems, and their integration into the electrical grid. Conventional thermal power plants: thermodynamic cycles, plant characteristics, fuels used, steam generators, turbines, condensation systems, main cycles, auxiliary services, control systems, plant operation and maintenance, and technical and managerial interventions for environmental protection. Gas turbines and combined cycles: general principles and construction features of gas turbines, thermal power plants repowered with gas turbines, combined cycle plants, plant operation and maintenance, and technical and managerial interventions for environmental protection. Other generation systems: nuclear thermal power plants, fuel cells, cogeneration, wave and tidal energy, and geothermal power plants. Energy storage systems: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and innovative storage technologies.
