ENERGY ENGINEERING

The teaching unit aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the main processes of industrial chemistry related to energy production, a critical analysis of the motivations of the solutions used in the production of the main products and the criteria for a correct approach to the design of a chemical process in terms productivity, safety and protection of environment.

The main industrial chemical processes for the production of fuels, nuclear fuels, semiconducting, metallic and polymeric materials as well as for the waste gases purifications are described and discussed technically.

Oral exam, in English. The exam will consist of three questions on three topics covered during the course. In one of these aspects of the characteristics of the products will be analyzed in one of the characteristics of processes, in a third aspect of an environmental and chemical nature.

The students' ability to critically discuss the characteristics of the fuels and materials used at an industrial level and the processes necessary to produce them will be verified, it will be possible to evaluate the student's knowledge and depth of understanding of the chemical, energetic aspects , economic and environmental aspects of chemical technologies associated with the development of energy technologies.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

Lecture notes provided by the teacher, in english.

Acquisition of the theoretical, technical and methodological skills necessary for the understanding and proper interpretation of most industrially and energetically relevant combustion phenomena. Acquisition of theoretical tools useful to the comprehension of the physical phenomena to which the combustion processes are subjected to, as well as on the implications connected with their industrial exploitation. Acquisition of fundmentale skills related to environmental issues, linked to the combustive processes. Basic competences on the main experimental fluid-dynamics and combustion diagnostic techniques, intended also as a preliminary background for the second year course "Energy Laboratory".

Program: Combustion: introduction and fundamental definitions. Fuels: classification and properties. Combustion and thermochemistry. Chemical kinetics. Combustion chemistry. Introduction to heat and mass transfer. Coupling of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics. Laminar premixed flames. Turbulent premixed flames. Combustion instabilities. Diagnostic and measurement techniques – outline. Turbulent non-premixed flames. Combustion engines. Combustion and pollutants. Pollutants control and sequestration techniques.

Written (on request), oral examination.
Examinations can be arranged both in the scheduled official dates and on appointment.

Independently on the examination modality (written or oral), the students will have to demonstrate their capability of utilizing the theoretical knowledges to solve practical (general) design problems by applying stoichiometry, chemistry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics concepts.
Furthermore, the students will demonstrate the knowledge of theoretical backgrounds (provided within the frame of this course), adopted physical models and simplified methodologies commonly used in the combustion-related problems solution by answering at theoretical questions.
It will be object of specific ascertainment, during the exams, the knowledge of the main industrial solution aimed at limiting the combustion-related pollution.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

S. R. Turns, An Intriduction to Combustion - Concenpts and Applications, third edition, McGraw Hill, 2012I. Glassman, R. A. Yetter, Combustion, Academic Press, 2008. F. A. Williams, Combustion Theory, Benjamin/Cummings, 1988. N. Peters, Turbulent Combustion, Cambridge University Press, 2000.

The teaching unit is designed to provide the theoretical and methodological skills necessary for the understanding of the most important problems of modern electrical power systems, with particular reference to the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and the impact that the change in the characteristics of the generating units determines in the electrical network management. Skills are also provided to develop calculation models in the field of the electricity market and business plan analyses in the energy sector.

The teaching unit ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS is divided into two modules, namely POWER SYSTEMS MODELLING & CONTROL and POWER SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT.
In the first module, the main principles of power, frequency and voltage regulations are provided for traditional networks and microgrids. The second module describes the structure of the national electric power system, the electricity market and the different incentive mechanisms for high-efficiency cogeneration plants, renewable energy plants and energy communities; it also provides tools for carrying out business plan analyses in the energy field and basic knowledge of electric mobility technologies.

Please look at this specific section on the following courses: POWER SYSTEMS MODELLING & CONTROL and POWER SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

The teaching unit provides the basics of the energy analysis of buildings; in particular, all the contributions for the evaluation of the heating and cooling loads are explained in detail. With the final aim of energy saving and sustainability, possible actions on the envelope and on the operative conditions are suggested to reduce the energy request of the building. Furthermore, some elements relating to heating systems and air conditioning systems are provided, with particular reference to heat pumps.

Building envelope: losses and gains through opaque and glazed components, requested minimal global heat transfer coefficients, thermal bridges, Glaser analysis; solutions to improve the efficiency of opaque and glazed components of the envelope; infiltration and ventilation loads; internal gains.
Thermal plants: fundamentals of thermal comfort; fundamentals of psychometry and air conditioning; chillers and heat pumps; all-air plants and air handlers sizing; furnaces; plant efficiencies.
Plant-building interactions: calculation of primary energy requirements in buildings; high efficiency plants solutions.
This unit contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda: 4. Quality Education, 7. Clean and Affordable Energy, 9. Enterprise, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Fighting climate change.

Oral examination

The oral examination in based on a specific topic among those presented during the course, with in addition a couple of short questions on other one/two subjects. The aim of the examination is to assess the student knowledge and the skill in reasoning and subject presentation.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the teaching unit to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ([email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

Kreider, Jan, and Ari Rabl. Heating and Cooling of Buildings: Design for Efficiency. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1994. ISBN: 9780078347764.
McQuiston, Faye, Jerald Parker, and Jeffrey Spitler. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Analysis and Design. 6th ed. New York, NY: Wiley, 2004. ISBN: 9780471470151.

Acquisition of the theoretical, technical, methodological and practical skills necessary for the experimental investigation of fluid-dynamic and combustive processes. Acquisition of the theoretical basis of the modern measurements and diagnostic techniques applicable to the fluid-dynamic and combustion field as well as of operative skills in utilizing an experimental infrastructure and the measurement techniques theoretically introduced, taking advantage of the equipment present at the Savona Campus. The course foresees the characterization, by means of the most proper experimental techniques, of an actual heavy duty gas turbine burner.

The course deals with the practical and experimental counterpart of some of the theoretical knowledges provided by other courses in the Energy Engineering curriculum.
Energy Laboratory is intended at giving to the students the possibility to touch with their own hands some of the topics related with energy conversion processes and, in particular, with one of them being still particularly significant in the modern world, the combustion.
Besides this, the course is also aimed at giving the students knowledges about the application of the experimental methods that can be extended at a wide variety of different scenarios.

Oral, based on the presentation of the e experimental activities outcomes.

The students, during the presentation and a following open discussion with the teacher, have to demonstrate, also in the light of the preliminary theoretical subject introduced at the beginning of the course, they master the basics of the utilized experimental techniques setting-up and the data acquisition processes, they have autonomously (following the teacher general instructions) properly postprocessed the experimental data, obtained by their laboratory activities, and, finally, they have been able (again following the teacher general outlining of the physical phenomena the students have been dealing with during the laboratory experiences) to correctly interpret the postprocessed data meaning.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

Teaching materials and notes by the teacher.

The purpose of this teaching unit is to provide the students with fundamental know-how related to fuel cells and to the concept of distributed generation systems. Attention is mainly focused on thermodynamic theory and component performance. Fuel cells are presented putting emphasis on different technology types, plant layout integration, technological and environmental aspects. Special attention is devoted to hybrid systems including fuel cells starting from plant layouts to design and integration aspects. This unit also provides students with basic knowledge and operative elements to design different small size power systems for applications in distributed generation grids. For this part of the unit, special attention is devoted to combined heat and power generation. Laboratory visits are also included in the teaching activities to provide the students with technological aspects related to pratical experiences.

This course (completely in English) shows the fundamental know-how of fuel cells and distributed generation systems (thermodynamics and component performance): different typologies, layouts, technological and environmental aspects. Different small size systems are considered for distributed generation applications. Special attention is devoted to combined heat and power generation including laboratory experiences.

The exam is composed of an oral test on all the topics presented and discussed during the teaching unit (exercises excluded).
2/3 exam days will be available in the winter session and 3/4 for the summer session (verify on the web tool https://servizionline.unige.it/web-studenti2/en/#/prenotazione). No additional exam days will be carried out, except for the students that terminated their lessons. So, these students can contact the teacher by e-mail ([email protected]) to schedule a possible exceptional exam day.
To participate at this oral test, it is necessary to do the registration (at least 5 days in advance) on the web tool https://servizionline.unige.it/web-studenti2/en/#/prenotazione.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the lessons to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ([email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi
In case of different problems (e.g., working students), the interested students are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the lessons.

The achievement of the learning results will be carried out with oral questions that can be supported by writing activities (on the blackboard or a paper sheet).
These questions will evaluate not only the student's knowledge, but also the analysis capability of problems related to fuel cell based systems and distributed generation and the presentation with a right terminology. The student can be asked to design plant schemes, to analyse the system behaviour on the main thermodynamic planes, and to carry out design calculations in agreement with what presented during the lessons.

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching materials will be available on aul@web. In general, lesson notes and the aul@web teaching materials are enough for the successful exam preparation.
Students not attending the lessons (although the active participation at the lessons is strongly recommended) are suggested to use the aul@web teaching material. In case of doubts on these documents, please contact the teacher by e-mail: [email protected].
The following books are suggested as support (the exam can be successfully passed without reading these books):
Fuel Cell Handbook (Seventh Edition), US Department of Energy, Morgantown, WV (USA), 2004 (available on line).
Ferrari M.L., Damo U.M., Turan A., Sanchez D., Hybrid Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Modelling and Design, Wiley, July 2017 (available in the library).
R. Della Volpe, “Macchine”, Liguori Editore (available in the library).
Students with specific needs (e.g., DSA or work commitments) are invited to contact the teacher by e-mail at the beginning of the lessons.

The teaching unit introduces the fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer (conduction, convection and thermal radiation) and shows some examples of practical application. The student will demonstrate a deep knowledge of the different heat transfer mechanisms and to be able to apply the fundamental laws to simple engineering problems. The goal of this course is to provide to the student the basis for the thermal analysis of energy transformation and production processes.

The course deals with one of the fundamental aspects of the energy engineering, introducing the different methods of heat transfer through theoretical lessons and numerical exercises.

Oral examination

The oral examination in based on a specific topic among those presented during the course, with in addition a couple of short questions on other one/two subjects. The aim of the examination is to assess the student knowledge and the skill in reasoning and subject presentation.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the lectures to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the teaching unit, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ([email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

Y. Cengel. Heat and Mass Transfer, Ed. McGrawHill, 2015.
Incropera, DeWitt, Bergman, Lavine: Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, John Wiley and Sons, 2011
A.Bejan, Heat Transfer, John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 1993

This unit aims to provide specific knowledge on energy conversion systems from both traditional and renewable energy sources, with particular focus on technologies related to energy conversion in plants based on micro-gas turbines, exploiting hydraulic energy, and wind energy. It will equip students with the necessary tools to understand the operating principles of different systems, enabling them to apply theoretical foundations for analyzing various energy conversion plants. Special attention will be given to the application of fundamental equations for analyzing different turbomachinery, in order to assess their behavior and performance, providing the elements required for a preliminary sizing of key components in energy conversion plants. The focus will be on the different types of machines used in the previously described plants (hydroelectric plants, wind power plants, and micro gas turbines-based plants). This analysis will allow students to develop critical knowledge to compare and select different energy conversion systems.

Fundamental concepts of turbomachinery for energy conversion.
Distributed Cogeneration with Micro Gas Turbines:
Distributed cogeneration and application areas of energy conversion using micro gas turbines.
Regenerative cycles of gas turbines.
Effects of component efficiency on the overall efficiency of gas turbines.
Main components of micro gas turbines with regeneration.
High efficiency radial turbomachinery. Low emission combustion.
Thermo-mechanical characteristics of micro gas turbines.
Hydraulic Energy:
Hydroelectric plants.
Components and configuration of hydroelectric plants.
Classification of hydraulic turbines.
Specific number of revolutions for hydraulic machines.
Main components of hydraulic turbines.
Sizing of hydraulic turbines.
Cavitation phenomenon.
Wind Energy:
Wind energy applications.
Wind energy conversion.
Classification of wind turbines.
Main components of wind turbines.
One-dimensional theory for wind turbines.
Definition of wind turbine performance.
Wind speed measurements, probability density function.
Wind turbine control.
This unit contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda:
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Examination is based on a short excercise and an oral test, selecting their subject among the unit topics.
For students with specific learning disabilities, more time will be available and the use of concept maps will be allowed, after presenting the relevant certificate

The following aspects will be evaluated:
knowledge and understanding of topics discussed during the lectures;
use of proper technical language;
skills in reproducing and discussing simple technical schemes.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

Detailed notes on the different topics discussed in lectures will be provided by the teacher through the Aulaweb page. Therefore, all registered students will access documents to prepare the exam. It is recommended to attend the lectures.
Suggested books:
F. Kreith, J. Kreider: “ Principles of Sustainable Energy” CRC Press, USA, 2011. E. Hau, "Wind Turbines: Fundamentals, Technologies, Application, Economics", Springer, 2013 H. Cohen, GFC. Rogers, HH. Saravanamuttoo; “ Gas Turbine Theory”, Varun Blatt, 2012.

The teaching unit has two complementary objectives: first, to provide the conceptual, analytical and numerical bases of compressible and incompressible flows, in presence of turbulence, heat transfer and also chemical reactions and multiphase flows, typically found in energy-related industrial processes, second, to provide an overview on current numerical techniques that are nowadays a fundamental industrial technology for product development. The main target of the unit is to convey operational and critical skills to the student to understand thermal fluid dynamics phenomena occurring in industrial systems or components. The discussion of different reference cases will give the student a wide view over practical applications.

The teaching module provides the basics that characterize the understanding of compressible or incompressible flows in industrial systems or components. In this way, the students are provided with skills to understand thermo-fluid dynamic processes inside industrial components even with multispecies, multiphase or combustion flow.

The exam consists in a written exam on a set of question related to the different parts of the program
Students with a certified Specific Learning Disorder (SLD/DSA), disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the professor before the start of lectures. This is to arrange teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools. [1]
Furthermore, any request for compensatory and/or dispensatory measures for the exam must be prepared using the form at the following link: https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back. It must then be sent to the course professor, to the DIME department representative ([email protected]), and to the Inclusion Services Sector for Students with Disabilities and SLD ([email protected]) at least seven working days before the exam, in accordance with the guidelines available at the link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi. [1]

A written exam will consist of a set of questions with different level of difficulty and related quotation for the final vote
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

• J. Anderson Modern Compressible Flow with Hystorical Perspective,
• J. Anderson, Computational FLuid Dynamics for Engineers
  The course lecture notes, available on Aulaweb, constitute the reference material for exam preparation, while the other indicated texts may be used to look into specific topics in greater depth.
  Students with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders) and working students may contact the professor for any clarifications and to arrange methods for accessing materials that are compatible with their needs, while respecting the educational objectives of the course.

The course is made of two modules that provide students with skills on fundamental topics for the study of components and systems that are part of the energy sector. These topics are combustion and thermofluid dynamic processes. Combustion is certainly the central process in the transformation of energy in thermal plants. Technological developments related to the reduction of emissions, the increase in efficiency and the development of innovative technologies are necessarily related to the study of the combustion process. Thermofluid dynamics is the central topic of almost any process industry and fluid machinery for energy generation, process or propulsion. Both teaching modules address both from a theoretical point of view and from an applicative point of view, offering students the opportunity to carry out laboratory activities or discuss practical applications.

The course is organized in two separated modules, one (Industrial Fluid-dynamics) aimed at providing the students with knowledges about the industrial fluid-dynamics phenimena with special regards to both the theoretical topics and the numerical investigation approach, the other one (Combustion Process and Emissions) dealing with one of the (still) more relevant physical phenomena in the modern energy connversion processes panorama, the combustion.

The aim of the teaching unit is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the operating principles and system lay-out of power plants for energy conversion, such as gas turbine systems, steam power plant and combined cycles. Moreover, the course will give the basis for the plant performances calculation, system behaviour understanding and plant management knowledge, with particular regard to the current national and international energy scenario.

Solid fuels: transport systems for coal in pieces (belt conveyors) and in dust (pneumatic transport systems).
Community law 97/23/CE-PED and its engineering implications. Evolving systems group 1 fluids: liquid fuels (specifications, sizing tanks, distributing lines, regulations and safety features, utilities); gaseous fuels (technical characteristics manufactured gases and natural. Distribution and storage equipment sizing for LPG, pressure reduction groups for natural gas (1st and 2nd stage), dimensioning, adjustment, safety lines, utilities). Evolving systems group 2 fluids: industrial service cooling water (heat-exchangers in mixture air-water) and pressure (autoclave tanks). Steam: sizing service distribution networks superheated and saturated steam. Condensation manifold networks, expansion joints, thermal stress. Risk analysis for types of industrial installations. Development of technical regulations of the contracts.

Oral examination with two questions regarding arguments of the course.

The examination test is considered suitable for the assessment of the disciplanary skills acquired by the student of the course.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

Handouts available on aulaweb, in pdf or in paper format.

L’insegnamento si propone di fornire agli studenti internazionali l’opportunità di acquisire una conoscenza di base dell'italiano parlato e scritto.

L’insegnamento è rivolto a studenti internazionali e mira a sviluppare competenze linguistiche e comunicative di livello elementare (livello A del QCER). Il percorso introduce e consolida il lessico e le principali strutture morfosintattiche di base, sempre in relazione al loro uso comunicativo, per favorire una progressiva capacità di interagire in italiano in contesti personali, sociali e universitari.

Dopo le prime 15 ore di insegnamento è prevista una breve prova scritta in itinere, con funzione esclusivamente formativa e di monitoraggio della progressione degli studenti. La prova non concorre alla valutazione finale.
L’accesso alla verifica finale è subordinato allo svolgimento di cinque brevi produzioni scritte individuali, realizzate durante l’insegnamento a partire da tracce e domande guida fornite dalla docente e successivamente corrette dalla docente.
La verifica finale si svolge in lingua italiana, con modalità adeguate al livello linguistico di riferimento, e comprende:
una breve prova scritta sui principali contenuti linguistici e morfosintattici affrontati durante l’insegnamento, composta da esercizi di tipologia analoga a quelli svolti durante le lezioni e nel lavoro autonomo (ad es. scelta multipla e completamento);
una breve prova orale interattiva, consistente nella simulazione di un semplice colloquio conoscitivo su argomenti relativi al dominio personale;
la presentazione orale del proprio project work di circa 10 slide sul paese di origine, elaborato progressivamente durante l’insegnamento con il supporto della docente e realizzato prevalentemente in lingua italiana.

La prova scritta permetterà di verificare l’acquisizione delle principali strutture morfosintattiche affrontate durante l’insegnamento e la capacità di utilizzare il lessico previsto dal livello in semplici contesti comunicativi, tenendo conto della relazione tra forme linguistiche, funzioni comunicative e appropriatezza sociopragmatica.
La prova orale interattiva permetterà di verificare la capacità dello studente di comprendere semplici domande, fornire informazioni personali e partecipare a una breve interazione in italiano su argomenti familiari o di interesse personale. Saranno considerate l’efficacia comunicativa, la comprensibilità, la proprietà lessicale e la capacità di gestire una semplice interazione, compatibilmente con il livello linguistico atteso.
La presentazione del project work permetterà allo studente di reimpiegare in una produzione personale il lessico e le strutture linguistiche appresi e di sperimentare una prima e semplice esposizione orale in italiano, anche in relazione al proprio percorso accademico. La presentazione, realizzata in forma fortemente guidata con il supporto della docente e almeno per il 70% in lingua italiana, sarà valutata principalmente sulla base dell’impegno nella realizzazione del lavoro, della chiarezza e della comprensibilità dell’esposizione, in relazione al livello linguistico atteso.

I materiali didattici forniti dalla docente (slide, schede, esercizi, testi e materiali audio/audiovisivi), resi disponibili tramite AulaWeb, costituiscono il materiale di riferimento dell’insegnamento e il loro studio è obbligatorio.
Per lo studio individuale, il consolidamento e l’approfondimento sono inoltre consigliati, ma non obbligatori, i seguenti testi:
Quercioli, F.; Tossani, G., in alto! A1, Ornimi Editions, ISBN 978-618-84586-2-8.
Falcone, G.; Zogopoulou, T., Perfetto! 1. Esercizi di grammatica italiana. Livello A1-A2, Ornimi Editions, ISBN 978-618-84586-7-3.
Gli studenti che desiderano svolgere attività individuali di consolidamento o approfondimento potranno rivolgersi alla docente, anche su appuntamento, per ricevere indicazioni sulle attività e sugli esercizi più adeguati al proprio livello, alla progressione e alle specifiche esigenze di apprendimento.

This teaching unit, including the module of Energy Laboratory and the module on Technologies and Fuels for Propulsion Systems Decarbonization, aims to provide and develop experimental and methodoligical skills and competences for the comparison and assessment of advanced technologies and alternative fuels for different sectors, mainly energy production and transportation.

The course consists of two modules: Energy Laboratory and Technologies and Fuels for Propulsion Systems Decarbonization.
The first module addresses the practical and experimental aspects of some of the theoretical knowledge provided by other courses in the degree program.
Energy Laboratory aims to offer students the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the topics related to energy conversion processes, and in particular, one of them that remains fundamentally important in the modern world: combustion.
Furthermore, the course also aims to provide students with knowledge on the application of experimental methods, which can be extended to a wide range of different scenarios.
The second module addresses the most relevant topics related to alternative internal combustion engines (ICEs), alternative fuels for the transportation sector, the development of electric and hybrid propulsion units, and the application of fuel cells to mobility systems.

Oral exam, based on the presentation of the results of the experimental activities and the discussion of the projects developed during the lessons.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

The students, during the presentation and a following open discussion with the teacher, have to demonstrate, also in the light of the preliminary theoretical subject introduced at the beginning of the course, they master the basics of the utilized experimental techniques setting-up and the data acquisition processes, they have autonomously (following the teacher general instructions) properly postprocessed the experimental data, obtained by their laboratory activities, and, finally, they have been able (again following the teacher general outlining of the physical phenomena the students have been dealing with during the laboratory experiences) to correctly interpret the postprocessed data meaning.
he following aspects will be also evaluated:
knowledge and understanding of topics discussed during the lectures;
application of a critical approach to compare options and characteristics of propulsion systems;
use of proper technical language;
skills in reproducing and discussing simple technical schemes.

The purpose of the unit "Fuel cells and distributed generation systems" is to provide the students with fundamental know-how related to fuel cells and to the concept of distributed generation systems. Attention is mainly focused on thermodynamic theory and component performance. Fuel cells are presented putting emphasis on different technology types, plant layout integration, technological and environmental aspects. Special attention is devoted to hybrid systems including fuel cells starting from plant layouts to design and integration aspects. This unit also provides students with basic knowledge and operative elements to design different small size power systems for applications in distributed generation grids. For this part of the unit, special attention is devoted to combined heat and power generation. Laboratory visits are also included in the teaching activities to provide the students with technological aspects related to pratical experiences. The "Hydro, Wind and Micro Gas turbines" unit aims to provide specific knowledge on energy conversion systems from both traditional and renewable energy sources, with particular focus on technologies related to energy conversion in plants based on micro-gas turbines, exploiting hydraulic energy, and wind energy. It will equip students with the necessary tools to understand the operating principles of different systems, enabling them to apply theoretical foundations for analyzing various energy conversion plants. Special attention will be given to the application of fundamental equations for analyzing different turbomachinery, in order to assess their behavior and performance, providing the elements required for a preliminary sizing of key components in energy conversion plants. The focus will be on the different types of machines used in the previously described plants (hydroelectric plants, wind power plants, and micro gas turbines-based plants). This analysis will allow students to develop critical knowledge to compare and select different energy conversion systems.

The course is composed of two parts.
The module "Fuel cells and distributed generation systems" provides the fundamental know-how of fuel cells and distributed generation systems (different typologies, layouts, technological and environmental aspects).
The module "Hydro, wind and micro-gas turbines" provides general knowledge on energy conversion systems from renewable sources, with particular reference to the technologies and methodologies related to the conversion of energy from wind power, hydraulic and engine plants based on the technology of gas turbines.

Two tests are performed: one for each module, as indicated for the specific details of each module.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

For the module "Fuel cells and distributed generation systems" the achievement of the expected learning outcomes is verified through oral questions that may require the help of a writing support (blackboard or paper support).
For the module "Hydro, wind and micro-gas turbines" the exam is based on a short exercise and an oral exam, choosing the subject among the topics of the unit.
For further details see the parts related to the two modules.

Master Thesis is addressed at developing students’ skills in analyzing, modelling, solving and presenting the results related to energy engineering complex problems. Master Thesis consists in the realization of a detailed Report on given engineering topics thus enhancing the students’ abilities in preparing professional reports and projects for their next professional career.

For the purposes of obtaining a Master's Degree, the final examination consists of the writing of a thesis, elaborated by the student in an original way under the guidance of one or more supervisors, on a subject defined as relevant to a discipline for which he or she has passed the exam. The final examination consists in the presentation and discussion of a written thesis before a special Committee, aimed at ascertaining the candidate's technical-scientific and professional preparation.

The procedure for the final examination consists of the oral presentation of the degree thesis by the student to the Final Examination Committee, followed by a discussion of any questions raised by the members of the Committee.

The thesis must also reveal:

• ability to deal with complex problems with a multidisciplinary approach
• correct use of sources and bibliography;
• systematic and argumentative skills;
• clarity in the exposition;
• design and experimental skills;
• critical skills.

The aim of the module is to provide students with an overview of the basic mathematical methods used for the solution and the qualitative study of certain types of ordinary and partial differential equations of interest in engineering. At the end of the module, the student acquires the ability to study the behavior of complex systems through the formulation of a simplified mathematical model capable of describing and predict the salient features of the phenomenon.

The module aims to provide general mathematical and numerical techniques for the implementation of a mathematical model, for its formalization, and for the study of its behavior.

The exam consists of two parts: a Matlab exercise and a written test. The written test typically consists of a problem and three theoretical questions. Each part carries a mark, the total mark will be given by the sum of the five.
Students who have a valid physical or learning disability certification and wish to discuss possible accommodations for classes and exams must get in contact with the instructor.

The exam verifies the student's ability to write the equations that model simple phenomena, to set the solution and to analyze the salient qualitative aspects.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

J. David Logan, Applied Mathematics: A Contemporary Approach, Wiley 1987
Jon H. Davis, Methods of Applied Mathematics with a MATLAB Overview, Springer Science 2004
N.Bellomo, E. De Angelis, M. Delitala, Lecture Notes on Mathematical Modelling From Applied Sciences to Complex Systems, SIMAI Notes 2010
S Strogatz, Nolinear Dynamics and Chaos, CRC Press 2018
S Farlow, Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers, Dover 1982
E Beltrami, Mathematics for Dynamic Modeling, Academic Press 1987
Additional reference texts may be recommended throughout the module. Students with disabilities, specific learning disorders (SLD), or other specific needs (e.g. working students) are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss possible support arrangements compatible with the organization of the module.

The aim of the teaching unit is to provide the essential methodological tools for the formalization and solution of management and control problems relevant to the different application areas of Energy Engineering. In particular, the teaching unit aims to provide an introduction to widespread and flexible software tools (such as, for instance, LINGO and MATLAB) for the optimization, simulation and performance evaluation of the considered dynamic systems.

The course has the objective of providing the essential tools for analysis and optimization of power and energy systems. To this end, various methodological approaches will be introduced and discussed. The effectiveness of such approaches will be demonstrated via software exercises carried out in connection with simple case studies.

Oral examination, including a discussion of the reports of the computer classworks. Students should be able to formalize optimization problems.
Students with learning disorders ("Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento", DSA) will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities

The exam will be the objective of checking and evaluating the capability of the students to state and solve simple optimization and control problems, analogous to those presented during the lectures.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

Some bibliographical references are included in the class notes.

The module has the aim to deepen the knowledge on to the nuclear fission and fusion applications. Particularly the module contributes to:
Achieve the awareness of the nuclear technology applications in the energy field
Understand how to position nuclear energy conversion technologies within the current and future landscape in terms of costs and competitiveness across different energy scenarios (characterized by varying degrees of renewable energy penetration)
Understand the main characteristics of the energy landscapes expected by 2050 and the role of nuclear energy within them
Be able to identify the main energy opportunities related to nuclear cogeneration

Technological solutions for nuclear energy conversion will be examined within the broader context of the global, European, and Italian energy landscapes, with particular emphasis on how they compare to the main traditional and renewable energy sources.

Oral examinations.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the lessons to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the teaching professor, the SCUOLA contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ([email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

The assessment of the content of the course is carried out mainly during the final exam and consists of an oral examination, which is structured in the discussion of several subjects of the course.

S. Glasstone, A. Sesonske (1994). "Nuclear Reactor Engineering". (4th ed.). Springer Press.
N. Tsoulfanidis (2013). " The Nuclear Fuel Cycle". (1st ed.). ANS Press.
M. Joyce (2018). "Nuclear Engineering. A Conceptual Introduction to Nuclear Power". (1st ed.) Elsevier Press.
R. L. Murray, K. E. Holbert (2025). "Nuclear Energy. An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems and Applications of Nuclear Processes". (9ht ed.). Elsevier Press.
B. Zohuri, S. K. Mousavi Balgehshiri, G. Lomonaco (2025). "Nuclear Reactor Physics and Operation: Neutronic Analysis for Nuclear Reactor Design". (1st ed.) CRC Press.
The course handouts, available on Aulaweb, are the reference material for exam preparation, while other suggested texts can be used for in-depth study of specific topics.
Students with learning disabilities and working students can contact the instructor for any clarifications and to arrange for the materials to be used according to their needs, while respecting the course's learning objectives.

The purpose of the unit "Power plants for energy conversion" is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of power plants for energy conversion, both for traditional gas turbines technology, with particular focus on on-design and off-design performance and recent technology advancements, and on innovative solutions related to recent EU 2030 energy policies, such as plants for CO2 capture and storage and plants for H2 and e-fuels (ammonia, methane, methanol) production, to be employed in power plants and other applications. The purpose of the unit "Industrial plants for energy" is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the operating principles and system lay-out of power plants for energy conversion, such as gas turbine systems, steam power plant and combined cycles. Moreover, the course will give the basis for the plant performances calculation, system behaviour understanding and plant management knowledge, with particular regard to the current national and international energy scenario.

The course consists of two modules. The module POWER PLANTS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION deals with the study of power plants for energy, focusing both on traditional ones, based on gas turbines technology, and innovative ones, based on low-carbon fuels. The module INDUSTRIAL PLANTS FOR ENERGY focuses on the study of industrial plants for the transport and the management of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels.

Please refer to the individual modules for details on the exam procedures. The grade for the course will be the weighted average of the grades obtained in the two modules.

Please refer to the individual modules for details regarding the assessment methods.

Provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of power plants for energy conversion, both for traditional gas turbines technology, with particular focus on on-design and off-design performance and recent technology advancements, and on innovative solutions related to recent EU 2030 energy policies, such as plants for CO2 capture and storage and plants for H2 and e-fuels (ammonia, methane, methanol) production, to be employed in power plants and other applications.

With a view to the energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the in-depth study of energy conversion systems is of particular importance in order to guarantee the reliability of the electricity system and the reduction of energy consumption.
It is expected that in the coming years the entire electricity system, transport and industrial sectors defined as "hard to abate" will undergo epochal changes by introducing new technologies, such as fuel cell systems and hydrogen, and by applying new processes.
It therefore becomes particularly important and strategic to know and compare the proposed scenarios by analyzing their technical and economic feasibility.

Oral Exam.

The students will take a verbal test consisting of two questions, related to the topics covered in class, to monitor their level of comprehension and knowledge, and to ascertain their critical thinking and capacity of synthesis.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the module, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to contact both the teacher and the contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the exam, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

Gas Turbine Theory, Saravanamuttoo Turbine a gas Giovanni Lozza Progetto Leonardo
Didactic material provided during the lessons.
The slides of the course, available on Aulaweb, represetns the main recommender reading material for exam preparation, while the other books can be used to focus in detail on specific topics.
Students with disabilities and specific learning disorders and working students can contact the Professor for any eventual clarification and to agree on ways to use the material that fit their needs, while respecting the teaching goals.

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological skills required to analyse and understand the architecture of the national electrical power system, the key players involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and utilization of electricity, as well as the functioning of energy markets and the incentive mechanisms for cogeneration and renewable power plants. The course aims to enable students to carry out technical and economic analyses of the electricity market and to develop business plans within the energy sector.

The course describes the structure of the national electric power system, the functioning of the electricity market and the forms of incentives for high-efficiency cogeneration plants, renewable energy plants and energy communities; it also provides tools for carrying out business plan analyses in the energy sector.

Students must take a written examination consisting of numerical exercises and questions. The oral examination is optional for students who wish to improve their grade in the written examination.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

The assessment strategy is based firstly on the continuous interaction with all the students attending the lessons, especially during the resolution of practical case studies, then it is quantitatively carried out by means of the evaluation of the student during the written and oral examinations.

All the slides used during the lectures and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb. The notes taken during the lectures and the material on AulaWeb are sufficient for exam preparation. The books listed below are recommended as supplementary reading, but students are also free to use other texts.
Suggested books:

• Bracco S., Brignone M., Delfino F., Procopio R., Robba M., Rossi M., Microgrids Design and Operation – Toward Smart Energy in Cities, Artech House, Boston, USA, 2018.
• De Simón-Martín M., Bracco S., Piazza G., Pagnini L.C., González-Martínez A., Delfino F., Levelized Cost of Energy in Sustainable Energy Communities. A Systematic Approach for Multi-Vector Energy Systems, Springer Briefs in Applied Sciences and Technologies, Springer, Cham (Switzerland), 2022.
• Kirschen D., Strbac G., Fundamentals of Power System Economics, Wiley, 2004.
• Marconato R., Electric Power Systems, CEI, 2002.
• Guerrero J., Vasquez J., Microgrids: Control and Operation, Wiley-IEEE, 2015.
• Wood A.J., Wollenberg B.F., Sheblé G.B., Power Generation, Operation, and Control, 3rd Edition, 2013.
• Gatta F.M., Impianti elettrici 1, Società Editrice Esculapio, 2014.
• Gatta F.M., Impianti elettrici 2, Società Editrice Esculapio, 2014.
• Caldon R., Bignucolo F., Impianti di produzione dell’energia elettrica. Criteri di scelta e dimensionamento, Società Editrice Esculapio, 2018.

The teaching unit is designed to provide the theoretical and methodological skills necessary for the understanding of the most important problems of modern electrical power systems, with particular reference to the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and the impact that the change in the characteristics of the generating units determines in the electrical network management. The teaching unit, with strong interactive features, is proposed to support theoretical lectures with a large "experiential" part in which the student can apply personally what learnt during the theoretical explanations.

The course provides the main methods to study a traditional and a state-of-the art power system both at steady state and in transient. Particular interest is devoted to the integration of renewables and to the control and management of microgrids.

There will be a written exam, followed by an oral part.
Group exercises proposed during the semester will give the students the option to increase their mark, according to the rules that will be explained at the beginning of the teaching unit
Students having disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders can request suitable aids for the examinations. Such aids will be defined according to specific needs, together with the Referent for the Polytechnic School of the Committe for the inclusion of Students with Disabilites and with SLD. Students in such conditions are invited to get in touch (via e-mail) with the Teacher a sufficient time before the examination, inserting in copy the Referent for the Polytechninc School (https://unige.it/en/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html), without sending any document about their disabilites.

In the oral exam, the clarity of the presentation, the precision of the language, and the logical flow of the response are evaluated. In the written exam, instead, the ability to identify the appropriate methodology for the case in question and to use it to achieve the result is assessed.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the teaching unit to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

Specific indications on reference bibliography will beprovided by the professor at the beginning of the lectures

The teaching unit is designed to provide the students the theoretical and methodological skills necessary for the development of power system simulation and optimization models. The unit aims to provide the students the capabilities to model different power system technologies in off-design and transient operating conditions, through the use of dedicated software, and to develop optimization mathematical models for the design and the operation of energy communities, microgrids, nanogrids, and smart charging infrastructures for electric vehicles.

The teaching unit provides knowledge for the development of simulation and optimisation models of complex energy and electrical systems: distributed generation plants, battery storage systems, multi-energy microgrids and nanogrids, power distribution networks, electric vehicle charging hubs, energy communities, prosumer buildings. Mathematical models are developed in the classroom and implemented using computer tools.

Each student has to prepare a written report (possibly also in a group with other students) on a developed optimization/simulation model.
A positive evaluation of the written report permits to have access to the oral exam which consists of answers to theoretical questions and the solution of numerical exercises.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

Evaluation of the acquisition of practical and theoretical competencies in developing optimization and simulation models of power plants, energy distribution and storage systems, power distribution networks, prosumer buildings, energy communities, microgrids/nanogrids and electric mobility systems.

Lecture notes. Books and papers suggested by the lecturer. The suggested books are recommended as supplementary reading, but students are also free to use other texts.
All the slides used during the lectures and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb. The notes taken during the lectures and the material on AulaWeb are sufficient for exam preparation.

In the framework of renewable energy, the objective of the unit is to provide the student with basic knowledge about remote sensing data and their analysis through machine learning, with special focus on the mapping of bio/geophysical parameters associated with renewable energy sources, including vegetation biomass, wind velocity field over sea water, solar irradiance, and air surface temperature.

The teaching unit introduces the key concepts associated with remote sensing for Earth observation in the framework of the applications to renewable energy. Machine learning concepts are also introduced in the context of these applications.

Mandatory written examination about the topics in the syllabus of the teaching unit, with maximum admissible mark equal to 24/30. If a student obtains a sufficient mark in this written exam, then he/she can also optionally take an additional oral examination with maximum admissible mark equal to 30/30 with honors.

Within the mandatory written examination, the student's knowledge of the main concepts discussed in the teaching unit shall be evaluated. Within the optional oral examination, the student's capability to address simple problems of remote sensing image analysis in energy applications and his/her capacity to critically discuss the related methodological bases shall be assessed.

Class slides will be provided to the students through AulaWeb.
Bishop C., Pattern recognition and machine learning, Springer, 2006
Campbell J. B. and Wynne R. H., Introduction to remote sensing, Guilford Press, 2011
Goodfellow I., Bengio Y., and Courville A., Deep learning, MIT Press, 2016
Hastie T., Tibshirani R., and Friedman J., The elements of statistical learning, Springer, 2008
Hastie T., Tibshirani R., and Friedman J., Gli elementi dell’apprendimento statistico, Piccin, 2025
Long D. and Ulaby F. T., Microwave radar and radiometric remote sensing, Artech House, 2015
Manolakis D. G., Lockwood R. B., and Cooley T. W., Hyperspectral imaging remote sensing, Cambridge University Press, 2016
Moser G., Analisi di immagini telerilevate per osservazione della Terra, ECIG, 2007
Moser G. and Zerubia J. (eds.), Mathematical models for remote sensing image processing, Springer, 2018
Sonka M., Hlavac V., Boyle R., Image processing, analysis, and machine vision, Cengage Learning, 2015
No specific bibliography is necessary for students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs.

This teaching unit, divided into the modules “Energy and Buildings” and “Solar and Geothermal Energy”, introduces the energy analysis of buildings through the calculation of thermal loads and the sizing process of air conditioning systems and examines renewable energy sources, in particular solar (thermal, photovoltaic) and low enthalpy geothermal energy associated with high-efficiency buildings.

Il corso integrato su due moduli tratta dei modelli ingegneristici per la stima del fabbisogno energetico degli edifici, il dimensionamento di massima degli impianti termici e di condizionamento e, sulla parte energie rinnovabili, il corso tratta nel dettaglio della modellazione e progettazione di sistemi solari (termici e fotovoltaici) e a pompa di calore geotermica

This teaching aims to provide knowledge on the soft and meta-level skills required of professionals by the complex organizational contexts that characterize the world of work.

This SOFT SKILLS module will be experiential, based on continuous interaction between the lecturer and the students as well as among the students themselves. The course will focus on three main topics:
The empathetic communication model, high-quality communication (with oneself and with others) that stands as one of the most valuable competencies in today's workplace;
Three creative thinking techniques that sharpen problem-solving skills and enhance teamwork;
Selected leadership theories to increase self-awareness, help recognize personal limits, and learn how to overcome them.
Throughout the sessions, students will have the opportunity to engage in practical pair-work and group-work activities and interact continuously.

For attendees: a group presentation. For non-attendees: a 1000-word essay to send via email to [email protected].

Ongoing assessment based on a 360-degree feedback system for those who will attend the course. Essays written by non-attendees will need to show critical thinking skills.

Rosenberg, M. (2017) Le parole sono finestre (oppure muri). Introduzione alla comunicazione nonviolenta, Esserci edizioni. / Rosenberg, M. (2015) Nonviolent communication, Puddle Dancer Press
Heifetz, R (2009) Practice of Adaptive Leadership: A Fieldbook for Practitioners, Ingram Publisher Services
Kegan, R & Lahey, L (2018) Immunità al cambiamento: come liberare nuove potenzialità (in noi e nella nostra organizzazione), Edizioni Franco Angeli / Kegan, R & Lahey, L (1018) Immunity to change: how to overcome it and unlock the potential in yourself and in your organisation, Harvard Business Review Press
De Bono, E. & Brunelli, F. (2001) Creatività e Pensiero Laterale, Rizzoli / De Bono, E. (2016) Lateral thinking: a textbook of creativity, Penguins Books Ltd
De Bono, E. (2011) Essere creativi. Come fare nascere nuove idee. I concetti, gli strumenti, le applicazioni del pensiero laterale, Il Sole 24 Ore

The aim of the module is provide the students the engineering knowledge on renewable energies as a whole and to the technologies and engineering methods to exploit the solar (thermal, photovoltaics) and low enthalpy geothermal resources in the high efficiency building contest. The goals of this course are to provide the students the capabilities related to modelling and design criteria definition, energy production estimation analysis, national and international standard knowledge and application, basic economic and financial investment analysis.

Primary energy resources: world situation, history, future scenarios. Renewable energy exploitation in the different countries and the Italian situation. Government programs and Italian laws. Solar energy: characteristics, solar angles and their relationships, solar irradiance and irradiation outside the atmosphere and at ground. Energy on tilted surfaces. Insolation data and correlations. Solar collectors, theory, efficiency calculation, plane collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Solar plants for the production of domestic hot water. Heat exchangers, plant configuration, the F-chart method. Solar cooling. Concentrators and high temperature solar plants. Solar Tracking and tracking laws. Photovoltaic systems, principles, technologies, electrical arrangements, matching, off-grid and connected systems, project criteria. Hybrid (PVT) systems. Energy from the earth: the geothermal heat pumps, the ground heat exchangers, design criteria. Analytical solutions for the transient conduction in the ground. ILS, ICS and g-function solutions for the transient conduction at ground-borefield level. Spatial and temporal superposition applied to ground source heat pump problems. The Ashrae method for BHE design. Computer aided design of solar and geothermal systems. Net present value analysis of solar and geothermal heat pump plants.
This unit contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda (in Italian and English):
3. Salute e Benessere
4. Istruzione di qualità
7. Energia pulita e accessibile
9. Imprese, innovazione e infrastrutture
11. Città e comunità sostenibili
13. Lotta contro il cambiamento climatico
3. Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
7. Clean and Affordable Energy
9. Enterprise, innovation and infrastructure
11. Sustainable cities and communities
13. Fighting climate change

Oral examination on Course Program or discussion of student reports on given Assignments (the assignments are usually on 3 topics and the the student can work in a group of max 2 people).

Discussions during the lectures and during the preparation of the student tutorials.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certificate on file at the University of Genova may contact the Professor of the teaching unit to discuss appropriate ways to assess their individual preparation for the course in question.
The student is asked to send an email to the Professor with a proper advance before the examination, inserting in copy the Polytechnic School's disability liaison ([email protected]).

A. Duffie and W.A. Beckman, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, John Wiley, 1991 S.Kalogirou, Solar energy engineering : processes and systems, Elsevier, 2009 D.Banks, An Introduction to Thermogeology: ground Source Heating and Cooling, 2nd Edition, Wiley Blackwell, 2012 H. Christopher, H. Armstead, Geothermal Energy, Spon, 1979 M.J. Moran, H.N. Shapiro: Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 1988 A. Bejan, Heat Transfer, John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 1993 T. D. Eastop, D. R. Croft, Energy Efficiency for Engineers and Technologist, Longman, 1990 S.Basta, F.Minchio, Geotermia e Pompe di Calore, Hoepli Italia, 2007 L.R. Ingersoll, O.J. Zobel, and A.C. Ingersoll, Heat Conduction with Engineering, Geological, and other Applications, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1954 Lecture notes of the teacher

"The main objectives of the teaching unit are: to provide an adequate and critical knowledge on environmental friendly propulsion systems for different applications, taking into account energy-related and economic issues. To develop skills for the analysis and comparison of advanced systems and technologies for ultra-low emissions Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), the development of electric and hybrid propulsion systems and the application of fuel cells to road vehicles propulsion. To define criteria for the selection of different systems and technologies referring to several application fields. To assess real benefits in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact for the proposed technical solutions compared to conventional systems. To outline characteristics and properties of alternative fuels to guide for their selection and use, applying Well-to-Wheels/Well-to-Wake approaches."

Advanced systems and technologies for ultra-low emissions ICE – General overview on problems, legislation and possible actions. Advanced fuel injection systems. Advanced combustion processes. Innovative devices and systems for exhaust emissions control. Advanced turbocharging concepts. CO2 emission reduction in thermal engines. Downsizing concept and related technologies.
Alternative fuels – Natural gas. Hydrogen and hydrogen-methane mixtures for thermal engine powertrains. Biofuels. Ammonia and methanol. CO2 emissions overall balance. Well-to-wheel analysis.
Electric and hybrid propulsion – Electric powertrain: advantages/disadvantages, performance, operating range, costs, components, overall energy and emissive balance. Hybrid propulsion: hybrid system configurations, hybrid categories (start-&-stop, micro, mild, full hybrid systems), main features, characteristics and limits of operating configurations, applied examples, overall energy and emissive balance, further developments.
Fuel cell application to propulsion systems – Fuel cell application to powertrain systems: types, operating problems, performance, hydrogen generation and storage systems, energy and emissive balance; applications, technical and economic issues, further developments.
Projects will also be developed to further explore topics discussed in class, including critical use of generative artificial intelligence.

Discussion of projects developed during the course.
Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations. Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the course professor, the DIME contact person ([email protected]), and the relevant office ( [email protected]) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

The following aspects will be evaluated:
knowledge and understanding of topics discussed during the lectures;
application of a critical approach to compare options and characteristics of propulsion systems;
use of proper technical language;
skills in reproducing and discussing simple technical schemes.

Detailed notes on the different topics discussed in lectures will be provided by the teacher through the Aulaweb page. Therefore, all registered students, including working students, will access documents to prepare the exam. It is strongly recommended to attend the lectures.
P. J. Dingle and M. D. Lai, Diesel Common Rail and Advanced Fuel Injection Systems, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2005.
R. van Basshuysen, Gasoline Engine with Direct Injection, Vieweg+Teubner, 2009.
AA. VV., Advanced combustion for low emissions and high efficiency: a literature review of HCCI combustion concepts, CONCAWE Technical Report no.4/08, 2008.
B. Kegl, M. Kegl, S. Pehan, Green Diesel Engines – Biodiesel Usage in Diesel Engines, Springer, 2013.
B. Morey, Future Automotive Fuels and Energy – Technology Profile, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2013.
G. Kalghatgi, Fuel/Engine Interactions, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2014.
K. Owen, T. Coley, Automotive Fuels Reference Book, Society of Automotive Engineers, 3rd Edition, 2014.
I. Husain, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – Design Fundamentals, Taylor and Francis Group, 2011.
AA. VV., Fuel Cell Handbook, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 7th Edition, 2004.
P. Corbo, F. Migliardini, O. Veneri, Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Road Vehicles, Springer, 2011.
R. Edwards, H. Hass, J.F. Larivé, L. Lonza, H. Maas, D. Rickeard, Well-to-Wheels analysis of future automotive fuels and powertrains in the European context – Well-to-Wheels Report, Version 5, European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport, 2020.
K. Senecal, F. Leach, Racing Toward Zero - The Untold Story of Driving Green. SAE International, 2021.