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Thermal Systems Design and Simulation 1

Code 18164
Year 1
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload PL(30H)/TP(30H)
Scientific area MECÂNICA COMPUTACIONAL
Entry requirements N.A
Learning outcomes The learning objectives include the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be developed by students. The aim is to introduce the mainissues in thermal systems design and simulation, with particular emphasis on air Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (HRAC) in industrial and commercial environments, addressing phenomena, effects, and quantification in HRAC systems. Students are expected to actively contribute to these areas, both in developing solutions and at the technical and project levels. Topics covered include the thermal behaviour of HRAC systems and equipment, their applicability, sizing, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and industrial, commercial, and domestic refrigeration. These concepts are reinforced through the experimental and computational simulation components. The course provide the foundations for installing, operating, and maintaining refrigeration equipment, considering the cold chain for perishable products, energy efficiency, and energy conservation.
Syllabus The syllabus is divided into different topics covered throughout the semester: 1. Air Conditioning: -Introduction: Modes of heat transfer, thermodynamic processes in buildings, psychrometry, thermal loads, heating and cooling equipment, HVAC systems -Ventilation: Types, requirements, and quantification -Thermal Comfort: Parameters, energy balance of the human body, and measurements -Equipment and Devices: Heating and cooling units, evaporative cooling, and air handling units -Experimental testing and computational modelling of AC systems 2. Industrial Refrigeration: -Basic Concepts of Refrigeration: Vapor and absorption refrigeration cycles -Refrigerants: Key characteristics and properties -Refrigeration Cycle: Basic equipment, control, and maintenance -Cold Storage Equipment: Types, transportation, and distribution -Cooling Load: Components and quantification -Experimental testing and computational modelling of industrial refrigeration systems
Main Bibliography -ASHRAE (2021). 2021 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals (SI). Mark S. Owen (Ed.), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Atlanta, Georgia, USA. -ASHRAE (2019). 2019 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications (SI). Mark S. Owen (Ed.), ASHRAE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. -ASHRAE (2020). 2020 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment (SI). Mark S. Owen (Ed.), ASHRAE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. -ASHRAE (2022). 2022 ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration (SI). Mark S. Owen (Ed.), ASHRAE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. -Dincer, I. (2017). Refrigeration Systems and Applications, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, UK, (ISBN: 978-1-119-23075-5) -Silberstein, E., Obrzut, J., Tomczyk, J., Whitman, B., Johnson, B. (2020). Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, 9th Edition,Cengage Learning. (ISBN: 978-0-357-12227-3) -Hundy, G.F., Trott, A.R., Welch, T. (2008). Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, 4th edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK. (ISBN: 978- 0-750-68519-1)
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria e assessment is conducted in three stages, each covering different areas of knowledge: Analysis and Synthesis Work (TAS, 30%): Bibliographic research on a specific topic from the syllabus, resulting in a report and oral presentation. Topics may include the design, operation, and performance of refrigeration systems, emerging technologies, alternative refrigerants, and environmental impact, including a report and discussion. Practical Work (TP, 70%): Experimental testing with data collected from a laboratory prototype of a cooling system, and computational modelling, including a report and discussion. Final Grade (CF): CF = TAS + TP Requirements: CF >= 10 points. TAS >= 6 points. TP >= 6 points. Grade improvement requires a final exam, maintaining the same criteria and CF calculation.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2026-02-09

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