Applied Thermal Engineering
Research focus
The Peer review has evaluated this group as Average
Current research aims at supplying basic knowledge, measurement and operating tools for studying thermodynamic and heat transfer processes related to energy production and distribution. For an accurate evaluation of heat transfer rate of complex systems, the group is mainly focused on the experimental approach. Results are the basis for accurate design of devices and allow a more efficient use of energy and the development of technologies with low environmental impact. The group is responsible for assuring the European traceability for heating appliances thermal output. The main research fields are summarized in the following: Thermal output of heating appliances. The standard thermal output of heating appliances is related to the economic value of products and to energy saving: - The value is of great importance because the “whole European market’s turn over” is estimated in 3 Milliard of Euros.To determine the economic value of the products, standard basis has been defined. In this field the group has developed and installed the first European Lab and is responsible for monitoring the European LABs. - Energy saving is connected with the material used in manufacturing and with the correct installation of the appliance. Energy (Boilers, Chimneys, Fuel cells) The goal is to develop test facilities which assure measurement traceability, repeatability and reproducibility. The main investigated fields include PEM fuel cells, boilers from domestic size to steam generators, chimneys. PEM fuel cells. These devices are direct converter of the enthalpy of formation of a fuel into electrical energy. Current research aims at supplying basic knowledge and operating tools for modelling the main processes. Boilers. In this field two different approach are adopted. For small boilers (thermal output lower than 300 kW) an installation has been designed and it will be build up within April 2007, in the frame of the project ECATE founded by Emilia Romagna region and by Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano. The test installation will be located at LEAP consortium, that is connected with the Piacenza centre of Politecnico di Milano. For large steam generators or waste furnace the group has developed experimental tools to be used on site, like suction pyrometers and dedicated measurement systems. Chimneys. Chimneys have large influence on the safety of small boilers and on their on site efficiency. In cooperation with the manufacturer Groppalli a large test facility has been settled up, including wind, rain, frost simulation. Improvement of cryopreservation processes. The main problem in cryopreservation is the reduction of biological material damages induced by volumetric variation of the different components; among these last, water. To achieve small volume increase due to the ice growth, three different methodologies can be used: high pressure freezing, slow cooling with the addition of cryoprotectants and vitrification. The aim is to study a vitrification process in absence of cryoprotectants. Fire Engineering. The goal is to develop fire protection strategies with a maximum efficacy for the human safety. The main investigated fields include: water mist systems, smoke control, whirling flames and standards. Water mist systems. Current research aims at supplying basic knowledge and operating tools for modelling the main processes of the fire suppression by water mist injections. Smoke control. 62 The control of smoke flow during a fire is often an important part of emergency planning. Current research aims at supplying basic knowledge and operating tools for modelling the main processes of the smoke flow control inside confined fire scenarios. Whirling flames. The whirling flames (fire tornadoes) are a rare but potentially catastrophic form of fire. The research is oriented to supply knowledge of basic mechanisms of formation, development and stabilization of whirling flames. Standards. The research is oriented to development of fire suppression and fire reaction standards. Actually participation inside UNI WG “Water mist systems” is active. Elevator Engineering. Current research aims at supplying basic knowledge and tools for energy efficiency, environmental impact assessments and LCA studies. LCA. Life cycle assessment studies finalized to quantify the environmental effects of an industrial product (elevator – lift system). Sustainable development. Feasibility analysis of sustainable technologies (fuel cells, photovoltaic systems) applied to lift and elevator systems. Standards. The activities is also oriented to develop standards regarding the connection of elevator unit electrical energy production systems to a distribution grid and lift eco-design.
Dipartimento di afferenza
Docenti afferenti
Full Professors
Pierangelo Andreini
Renzo Marchesi
Assistant Professors
Paolo Parolini