Equipments and Thermal Processes

– Thermodynamics;

– Fluid Mechanics;

– Heat Transmission.

The curricular unit is organized in theoretical and theoretical-practical classes. Theoretical classes are dedicated to the exposure and discussion of the subjects taught. The presentations are complemented with technical documentation and two visits to the Laboratory of Thermal Systems is also carried out for students to contact the thermal equipment and systems that exist there.

Theoretical-practical classes are used to solve application exercises.

It is intended that students acquire congruent and in-depth knowledge in the areas of production, transport and use of thermal energy, and, in particular, that they know the constitution and understand the operation of the different types of boilers and heat exchangers, as well as having the capacity to install, operate and maintain this equipment. It is also intended that students learn to perform combustion calculations, to analyze combustion graphs and to perform energy balances. This curricular unit contributes to the achievement of the following specific skills:

– To know, understand and know how to apply the laws of thermodynamics and heat transmission, including the ability to perform thermal balances;

– Understand the operation and be able to install, operate and maintain thermal machines in general.

1. Combustion

Definition. Complete and incomplete combustion. Stoichiometric combustion. Excess air. Fuels and their properties. Higher and lower heating values. Ignition temperature. Chemical reaction equations. Combustion calculations and analysis. Combustion graphs. Emissions limits.

2. Boilers

Definition and main applications. Classification. Boiler types and their components. Boiler equipment and fittings. Combustion systems. Steam superheaters, desuperheaters and reheaters. Economizers and water preheaters. Combustion air heaters. Cogeneration plants. Energy losses and boiler efficiency.

3. Heat exchangers

Definition and application fields. Classification. Types of heat exchangers: double pipe heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, extended surface heat exchangers and regenerators. Components and fittings. Operational features.

4. Energy balances

Energy balance of a thermal power plant.

Assessment:

The student has to perform a written exam (80%) - in a formal evaluation period – and a research work (20%), which has to be presented orally in the second part of the theoretical lectures. Each written test has two components, theoretical and practical, with quotations of six and ten points, respectively. The research work is selected from the different topics proposed and their presentation and discussion has a quotation of four points. Final approval depends on a global mark (written exam + research work) of at least 9.5 values and a positive classification in the exam test (8 values), which will always have a quote of 16 values. The classification obtained in the work is only considered when the student participates in the presentation and discussion of the research work and when he obtains a classification equal to or greater than 8 in the written test. Research Work Deadlines:

* Deadline for the formation of the working groups - October 11

* Deadline for submission of the Research Works - November 18

* Presentation and discussion of work expected for the last 4 theoretical classes

Erasmus Students: The student has to perform a written exam (90%) - in a formal evaluation period – and a research work (10%). Each written test has two components, theoretical and practical, with quotations of eight and ten points, respectively. The research work is selected from the different topics proposed has a quotation of two points. Final approval depends on a global mark (written exam + research work) of at least 9.5 values and a positive classification in the exam test (9 values), which will always have a quote of 18 values. The classification obtained in the work is only considered when the student when he obtains a classification equal to or greater than 9 in the written test. Deadline for submission of the research work - November 18. 

Periodic assessment of the theoretical component: Carrying out 3 mini-theoretical tests throughout the semester;

- the quotation of each mini-test is 2 points (2/20); 

   Erasmus students: 1st mini-test (2/20 points), 2nd mini-test (3/20 points) and 3rd mini-test (3/20 points);

- this methodology is only applicable to students who participate in at least 11 of the 15 theoretical classes of the semester (+/- 75% of all theoretical classes) (15 weeks, 15 classes; thus, only at the end of the semester the admitted students will be known);

- students admitted to theoretical assessment through mini-tests may, if they wish, be exempt from taking the theoretical part of the formal exams;

 - the mini-tests will be carried out in the theoretical class of the week following the conclusion of the theoretical exposition of the chapter in question.

In the exam theoretical part, no consultation elements are allowed. In the theoretical-practical part, tables and diagrams are authorized, these documents are in the respective U.C. folder on the “InforEstudante” platform. The use of smartwatches and smartphones is not permitted and these devices must remain switched off during the exam.

NAO