MOE252 Thermal Machines - Selected topics

Contents and structure

Thermal machines are the dominant technology for converting chemical energy to mechanical work. We are totally dependent on thermal machines for transport on land and at sea or in the air.

In the last years there is a growing concern about the access and price of energy and the environment. It is therefore vital that we use the energy as efficient and environmental friendly as possible. In this course students will acquire deeper knowledge of Thermal machines (engines and turbines) by studying important systems and components critical to their operation, performance and environmental impact. This will enable evaluation and optimization of the operation and performance of existing machinery.

The course will be taught in five modules with the following content:

• Brief overview of some current gas turbines designs
• Axial and radial compressor maps, key performance parameters
• Axial and radial turbine maps, key performance parameters
• About performance control and -monitoring
• Brief about the layout of Inlet and outlet systems
• Materials

• About modeling of real thermodynamic processes, assumptions and limitations
• The design and use of a state-of-the-art 1D process analysis program
• Case study: effect on engine performance by variation of key operating parameters
• Studying the effect of varying ambient conditions on the performance of a gas turbine

• Basics of reciprocating engine balancing
• The influence of firing orders, V-angles, mounting stiffness
• Torsion vibration essentials, calculation methods, damper selection and documentation
• The problem of axle whirl, stiffness and natural frequencies, effect of damping etc
• Brief introduction to rotor analysis methods

• Brief introduction to pre-mixed and diffusion-type combustion in engines
• Fuel Injection and mixture formation details
• Design layout and characteristics of Otto- and Diesel combustion systems
• Generation of exhaust emissions and influencing factors
• Combustion characteristics of alternative engine fuels

• Approval testing of a Diesel engine acc to marine Classification requirements
• Approval testing of a Gas engine acc to manufacturer¿s procedures
• Approval testing of a Gas Turbine engine acc to given requirements

Entry requirements

It is required that the candidate has passed all 1st-year topics of this MSc program.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, test reports and a project report. These will be covered in a combination of Norwegian and English language, as appropriate.

Compulsory learning activities

Compulsory project with report must be completed before major oral exam. More details will be given in the beginning of the course.

Passed report are valid for the examination semester and 2 following semesters.

Assessment

Exam in three parts:

1. Individual oral examination (60% of the final assessment). Re-sit examination form to be decided.
2. Written examination, 3 hours. Re-sit examination form to be decided

(20 % of the final assessment).

1. Project report.

(20% of the final assessment).

Passed report are valid for the examination semester and 2 following semesters.

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail

All parts must get a passing grade in order to get a final grade for the course.

Examination support material

This will be presented in the beginning of the course.

More about examination support material