Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho nº 14433/2024 - 05/12/2024
5 ECTS; 3º Ano, 1º Semestre, 30,0 TP + 30,0 P + 3,0 OT , Cód. 912331.
Lecturer
- Luís Carlos Duarte dos Reis (1)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
Thermal engines play a key role in energy conversion and in systems for the production of mechanical work. The aim is therefore to equip students with the following knowledge and skills:
A Operation and analysis: to understand the operating principles of the main thermal engines, namely internal combustion engines and boilers, as well as the associated thermodynamic and combustion phenomena.
B Performance evaluation: to analyse the operating cycles of thermal machines and determine their main characteristic parameters, assessing efficiency, fuel consumption, power output and the emissions resulting from their operation.
C Operation and efficiency: to identify the factors influencing the energy performance of thermal machines and to apply methodologies to improve their efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
D Instrumentation and maintenance: to use measurement and monitoring techniques applied to thermal machines, as well as to understand the general principles of internal combustion engine maintenance.
E Scope of the module: the studies undertaken in this module focus on the main thermal energy conversion technologies, with particular emphasis on reciprocating internal combustion engines, industrial boilers and their associated auxiliary systems, whilst also considering the energy, environmental and technological aspects associated with their use.
Program
1. Fundamental concepts and classification of thermal engines.
2. Internal combustion engines: operation, classification and design features.
3. Thermodynamic analysis of operating cycles.
4. Fuels, air-fuel ratio and combustion processes.
5. Engine performance and operating characteristics.
6. Combustion in spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines.
7. Pollutant emissions and control technologies.
8. Testing, instrumentation and experimental evaluation of engines.
Evaluation Methodology
Continuous assessment:
The final mark is calculated by weighting the following assessment components: individual written examination (50 per cent) and a dissertation on a topic to be specified (50 per cent).
Examination assessment (regular and resit sessions):
Assessment is based on an individual written examination, which accounts for 100 per cent of the final mark.
Bibliography
- Boles, M. e Çengel , Y. (2007). Termodinâmica. (Vol. 1). ISBN: 9788580552003: McGraw Hill
- Coelho, P. e Costa, M. e , . (2012). Combustão. (Vol. 2ª). ISBN: 9789728620103: Edições Orion
- Heywood, J. (2018). Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals. New York: McGraw-Hill
- Martins, J. (2020). Motores de Combustão Interna. (Vol. 6ª). ISBN: 9789898927842: Engebook
- Pulkrabek, W. (2004). Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine. (Vol. 2nd Edition). ISBN: 9780131918559: Pearson Prentice Hall
- TecQuipment Limited, . (2013). TD110-TD115 Mini Engine Test Rigs and Instrumentation, Tecquipment Limited.. Acedido em 21 de setembro de 2026 em https://www.tecquipment.com/small-engine-test-set
- Turns, S. e , . (2012). An Introduction to Combustion: Concepts and Applications. (Vol. 3ª). ISBN: 9780071086875: McGraw-Hill
- Woodruff, E. e Lammers, H. e Lammers, T. e , . (2016). Steam Plant Operation. (Vol. 10ª). ISBN-13: 978-1259641343: McGraw Hill
Teaching Method
Lecture-based classes, in which the fundamental principles of UC are presented and illustrated, supplemented by exercises, practical work and laboratory experiments to analyse the operation and performance of MCI.
Software used in class
Microsoft Teams.
PowerPoint.
Word.
Excel.
PDF.
Others to be defined.
