Laboratory of Thermal Machines

Integrating discipline of all knowledge transmitted during the course. The importance of the following curricular units is highlighted: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Machines, Heat Transmission, Thermal Equipment and Processes, Alternative Machines and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. .

Each class is divided into at least two working groups.
Each group will ideally be 5/6 students in size.
The proposed work will be carried out in groups.
There is appreciation for the individual performance in developing the proposed work.
In each laboratory, the proposed experimental work is designed to promote student’s autonomy.

The projected planning foresees an introductory class for all classes simultaneously and three classes in each of the four laboratories involved; At the end of the semester, a class is scheduled to announce the students’ results. Therefore, each class will have a total of fourteen lessons.

Laboratory course aimed at applying the concepts studied in the curricular units of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Machines, Thermal Equipment and Processes, Heat Transfer, Alternative Machines and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Skills to be acquired: knowledge, understanding and know how to apply the laws of mechanics to incompressible fluids, the laws of thermodynamics and heat transmission, including the ability to perform thermal balances. Understanding the operation and know how to select the different types of turbomachinery. Have the capacity to dimension, install, operate and maintain fluid networks, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Understand the operation and be able to install, operate and maintain thermal machines in general and, in particular, internal combustion engines. Knowledgeand know how to use measurement and control instrumentation.

Thermal Systems Laboratory – Characterization of a section of the Laboratory installation and calculation of heat losses. Determination of the thermal efficiency and heat loss of a pyrotubular boiler. Determination of the heat output and the efficiency of a heat exchanger.
Laboratory of Hydraulic Machines – Determination of pressure losses in tubes and accessories. Determination of the useful lifting height, absorbed power and efficiency of electric pumps / fans. Study of the association of pumps. Determination of the useful fall, effective power and efficiency of Francis, Kaplan and Pelton turbines.
Climatization Laboratory – Simulation of psychrometric air corrections, in humidification, heating and cooling applications; Thermal balances of the transformations operated. Tests of the following types: simple and humidified heating; simple cooling, with cooling to the dew point and final temperature corrections; simple humidifications.
Alternative Machinery Laboratory – Analysis of engine compression and tightness. Analysis of electrical and electronic ignition systems in SI engines. Oscillogram analysis. Exhaust gas analysis and interpretation of results. Determination of the characteristic curves of an internal combustion engine. Modeling of an internal combustion engine.

NAO