Andrea Ciani: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2025

Name Dr. Andrea Ciani
E-mailaciani@ethz.ch
DepartmentMechanical and Process Engineering
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
151-0252-00LGas Turbines: Thermodynamic Cycles and Combustion Systems4 credits2V + 1UA. Ciani
AbstractGas turbines are used in various applications such as power generation, mechanical drive, jet engines and ship propulsion because they offer high efficiency and low emissions. For all operating conditions and fuels (in future: low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen or ammonia) the combustion concepts (e.g. lean premix) have to maintain stable heat release and low pollutant (NOx, CO) formation.
Learning objectiveGetting familiar with the basics of combustion systems in various gas turbine types; acquiring knowledge about gas turbine applications and gas turbine based thermodynamic cycles.
Learning about gas turbine combustor geometries and design rules; understanding combustion characteristics for specific conditions relevant to gas turbines; emission characteristics (NOx, CO, soot) of gas turbine combustors; flame stability and thermoacoustics; combustion properties of a range of gas turbine fuels (liquid/gas; fossil/renewable).
ContentGas turbine types and applications:
- aero engines, stationary gas turbines, mechanical drive, industrial gas turbines, mobile applications.
Gas turbine cycles (thermodynamics):
- cycle characteristics, efficiency, specific power, process parameters (temp., pressure).
Energy balance & mass flows:
- compression work, expansion work, heat release, secondary air system, exhaust gas losses.
Gas turbine components (introduction, basics):
- compressor, combustor, turbine, heat exchanger, ...
Burner/combustor systems:
- fuel/air mixing, fuels, combustor geometries, burner configurations, flame stabilization, heat exchange/cooling schemes, emission characteristics.
Flame stabilization and thermoacoustics.
Combustion technologies:
- lean premix combustion, staged combustion, piloting, swirl flames, operating concepts.
New technologies/current research topics
- Zero Emission Concepts, hydrogen combustion, catalytic combustion, flameless combustion, wet combustion.
Lecture notesOnline booklet of slides (Moodle).
LiteratureSuggestions/recommendations for additional literature studies given in the script (for each individual chapter/topic).
Prerequisites / NoticeBasics in thermodynamics / thermodynamic cycles of heat engines;
basics in combustion technologies.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingfostered
Problem-solvingassessed
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Personal CompetenciesCritical Thinkingfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered