Thermodynamics & Thermal Engines Laboratory

Engineering Services

In-situ measurement, assessment and energy auditing services.

An important part of the Laboratory’s activities is related to the supply of consulting services and in-situ measurement and testing services in industrial units and buildings. Such activities bring us in contact with important technical issues and challenges of industrial firms of the region of Thessaly which may be resolved with the assistance of our knowledge and knowhow.

In-situ measurements and tests are mainly related to the assessment of efficiency and emissions levels of large stationary engines and turbomachines, as well as boilers operating on various fuel types, (coal, biomass, liquid and gaseous fuels), measurements of particulate emissions, energy audits etc.

Boiler efficiency measurements at EPILEKTOS textile industry
1.5 MW Co-generation power plant efficiency measurements at VIOKARPET, Larissa 

LTTE: OFFICIAL CONSULTANT OF THE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

LTTE operates as a consultant and support unit to the rectorate of the University in technical matters related to the study and construction and operation supervision of its building energy systems and mechanical and electrical installations. In this context, the Laboratory personnel regularly monitors energy consumption of the main campuses of the University in Thessaly.

Based on the experience from monitoring energy consumption, LTTE proposed the first bundle of energy conservation measures that were adopted by the University Management since May 2010 (University Senate, 95/14-5-2010). The supervision of energy conservation measures was significantly improved by the direct involvement of engineers from the University Engineering Services Department instead of the sub-contractors previously involved.

The systematic energy consumption monitoring in the various campus installations led to the diagnosis of high consumption cases that were cured by specially designed measures and policies. The result is observable in the following chart presenting the evolution of electricity consumption in the major University Campuses in Thessaly.

Reports

Electricity consumption monitoring in the 3 medium voltage sub-stations in the University Campuses at Larissa  and Karditsa 2006-2009 #LTTE-01-10, O. Zogou, N. Triantafyllou, Jan. 2010

Proposal of nocturnal consumption reduction measures based on the analysis of hourly electrical load of the medium voltage sub-station of Pedion Areos Campus 1.1.2009-10.4.2010 #LTTE-11-10.  Olympia Zogou, May 2010

Analysis of hourly electricity consumption data in the 7 medium voltage sub-stations in Volos, Larissa and Karditsa 2008-2012. #LTTE-02-12, Olympia Zogou, Feb. 2012.

Analysis of hourly electrical load data of the medium voltage sub-station of the university Campus at Mezourlo, Larissa, in the period 1.1.2009-10.4.2010 #LTTE-12-10, Olympia Zogou, June 2010

Analysis of hourly electrical load data in the 7 medium voltage sub-stations in Volos, Larissa and Karditsa 2008 – 2012. #LTTE-05-13 Olympia Zogou, July 2013.

Electricity consumption monitoring in the 5 medium voltage sub-stations in the University campuses in Volos 2006-2009 #LTTE-05-09, Olympia Zogou, Sep. 2009

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

The research activities conducted in the Laboratory maybe characterized as applied research activities with a high degree of specialization associated with the production and transfer of knowhow, software and training to industrial partners who form the main funding bodies of the Lab. Industrial R&D activities as such, are usually covered by confidentiality or secrecy agreements.

Since 1999, the Laboratory personnel participated in a number of R&D projects in the domestic and mainly in the European or International Area, with special emphasis to the direct industrial partnerships. The following are examples of projects carried out in the Lab:

1.         A system for smoke emissions reduction during startup of Diesel powered high speed passenger car ferries (Collaboration with NTUA Laboratory of Marine Engineering, AEGEAN SPEED LINES, Environmental Protection Technology) 2012-14, GSRT Budget (LTTE part) 33,000 EUR

2.         Design and implementation of a network of PM10 monitoring stations in Volos-Larissa (2010-2011). Funding: Research Committee, University of Thessaly, Targeted Research Activities. Budget 20,000 EUR, P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

3.         Production of Biofuels in Thessaly: Laboratory testing of biodiesel blends on the DW10 ATED high speed DI automotive Diesel engine. Effects on combustion, emissions and durability. 2007-08, GSRT Regional Innovation Pole of Thessaly:  Budget (LTTE part) 35,000 €

4.         Development of Diesel Filter modeling software in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Funding: DaimlerChrysler AG. 2002-03. Budget: 40,000 € P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

5.          Software development and validation for 1D and 3D Modeling of Diesel Filters. Funding: IBIDEN Co. Ltd  (Japan), 2001-2002. Budget 66,000 € P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

6.         The Modeling of Automotive Catalytic Converters for Gasoline and Diesel – fueled Vehicles. Funding: Degussa –Huels AG,  1.1.2000 – 31.12.2002 Budget (LTTE part)133,000 € P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

7.         Exergo-economic optimization of a Heat Pump system for heating – cooling. Funding: GSRT, PENED ’95). Budget: 35,000 ECU 1997-1999, P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

8.         Development and experimental validation of computational tools for exhaust after-treatment systems design optimization (SI, GDI and Diesel Engines). Funding: PSA Peugeot Citroen. 1999 – 2003, Budget: 380,000 € P.I. Prof A.M. Stamatelos

This is a bundle of  projects, which includes the following projects:

3-WAY CATALYST MODELING, PHASE I-II, (Commande GT57860797) 45,000 €

DIESEL CATALYST MODELING, PHASE I-II, (Commande GT57860628) 45,000 €

MODELISATION CATALISEUR -(Commande GT57871720) 36,667 €

ETUDE NOX STORAGE CATALYST MODELING -(Commande VV23785568) 22,501 €

ETUDE DIESEL PARTICULATE MODELING -(Commande VV23790668) 30,002 €

NOX STORAGE CATALYST MODELING II – (Commande VV23790329) 30,002 €

CALCUL FILTRE A PARTICULES  – UTH – (Commande GT57888050) 22,501 €

CALCUL FILTRE A PARTICULES  – UTH-II – (Commande GT57888344) 22,501 €

MEASUREMENTS FILTRE A PARTICULES  – (Commande GT57888371) 36,501 €

MECANISME ENCRASSEMENT FILTRE A PARTICULES (Commande GT57893349) 90,000 €

9.         Application of basic quality assurance procedures in the reform of under-graduate curriculum of the Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Thessaly. Funding: Ministry of Education. Budget: 340,400 EUR, 2003 – 2008. Scientific Responsible: Prof. A.M. Stamatelos. The curriculae reform was designed along the following lines, which reflects a strategy towards the development of a quality culture: (i) Reinforcement of the laboratory skills of the students and integration of case studies in all courses. (ii) Training in the use of modern computational tools, introduction of new subjects and teaching modes. (iii) Development of an inclusive diploma study plan (course credits – weekly student load – interdependence of courses – integration in course cycles). (iv) Support of all courses via the development of functional web pages, including course material, a variety of references, books, foreign language bibliography, software, technical rules, professional regulations and directives. (v) Establishment of a quality assurance office (QAO), to coordinate and support the continuing development of teaching, research and service quality standards, indices and self-evaluation processes and also to develop and maintain a network for regular contacts and feedback reception by the alumni.
________________________________________

In parallel with R&D projects on a contract basis, the Laboratory personnel supplies on a regular basis, consulting and support services to the local and regional industrial units, in the form of in-situ measurements and energy audits, (EXALCO, ALFA-WOOD, EPILEKTOS textile, AGET/ Lafarge etc), as well as to the local society (e.g. PM10 monitoring stations’ network in Volos – Larissa).

International Collaborations

• Industrial firms
  • PSA Peugeot Citroen
  • dmc division of OMG
  • Daimler Chrysler AG
  • Toyota Central R&D Labs
  • IBIDEN Co. Ltd.
  • S&C Thermofluids
  • J. Eberspaecher Co.GmbH
  • Degussa Autoabgaskatalysatoren
• Univerisities
  • Politecnico do Torino
  • Imperial College
  • TU Eindhoven
  • University of Bath
  • University of Alberta

Experimental equipment

• Engine test cell with 150 kW eddy current dynamometer, with direct digital control system (transient testing capabilities). The controller is linked to a PC equipped with NI Data Acquisition cards and signal conditioners. Electronic throttle actuator.
• Exhaust gas testing bench with two sets of exhaust gas analyzers (CO, CO2, HC, NO)
• DW10 ATED, 2 l. HDI diesel engine (rated power 80kW at 4,000 rpm), employed in full-scale investigations with diesel exhaust after-treatment devices, as well as in engine combustion and emission studies.
•  
•  Alfa Romeo 1.6 l. Twin Spark SI engine on a DC engine – inverter test bed (under construction)
•  Ruggerini Brio 91 single cylinder Diesel engine
•  J-65 turbojet engine for educational purposes
•  Small gas turbine AMT Olympus HP ES (with thrust: 23.5 kg-230 N) 

   

• 35,000 kcal/h air furnace with test rig for infrared thermography investigations
• 40,000 kcal/h boiler
• Boiler efficiency measurement test rig
• Boiler Exhaust Gas Analyzer ‎MRU Spectra 1600Q
• Refrigeration system/ vacuum pump
• A variety of gas, air, liquid and fuel flow meters
• A variety of pressure sensors for the ranges from 1 mbar up to 1000 bar
• Fully equipped engine maintenance workshop
• A variety of catalytic converter and diesel filter systems for testing and assessment purposes
  Specially designed test rig for detailed flow distribution measurements in catalytic converters and filters, HVAC duct outlets etc.
• Laboratory oven (1000oC) for aging and regeneration of full-sized converters and diesel filters
• ThermaCAM SC 3000 FLIR Systems
• Three-Phase Power Logger: Fluke 1735
• Energy monitor: Wattson Classic
• Lux meter
• Differential Thermometer
• Infrared Thermometer
• Sound Level Meter ( Decibel Meter)
• CO2 , CO, Indoor Air Quality measurement
• Humidity meter
• Differential Manometer
• Nuclear Radiation meter (Geiger CounterHardware· NI Data Acquisition card 6229 (250 kSamples/s)

  · Several NI Data Acquisition and control cards, signal conditioners SCXI 1100, SCXI 1113

  · ETAS MAC 2 / ETK hardware for interfacing with engine control unit (ECU)

  · Fast acquisition quartz sensors and charge amplifier for high and low pressure indicator diagrams on diesel and SI engines

  · A variety of thermocouples, cement-on thermocouples ultra fast response thermocouples

  · Pressure Transmitter WIKA Type A-10

  · Several high performance PC’s, supported with peripherals, including an A0-sized plotter

  Software

   

   

  · ΝΙ Labview v11.0 software

  · INCA v3.2 software for interfacing with engine control unit (ECU), engine calibration and diagnostics

  · In-house software for the performance computation of nearly all main types of exhaust after-treatment devices, integrated in the form of an automotive exhaust after-treatment systems CAE toolkit

  · In house software for gas and steam turbine performance prediction and diagnostics

  · TRNSYS 16 software for energy systems simulation (solar energy systems, building energy systems)

  · Access to industrial software: MATLAB Simulink, ProE, SolidWorks, ASPEN

  · CFD software: ANSYS 13 (CFX, FLUENT, CFD-POST)

  · GasTurb 9 for simulation of gas turbine configurations used for propulsion or for power generation

  · EES (Equation Engineering Software): software package used for solution of simultaneous non-linear equations for the solution of thermodynamics and heat transfer problems

  · Programming tools: (Fortran 90/95, C, C++)

PhD Theses

• Elias Roumpakias: Development of Methodologies for Performance Analysis of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems. Volos,
  December 2019
• Dimitris Tziourtzioumis: Experimental Investigation of the steady state and transient operation of Diesel Engines fuelled by high percentage biodiesel blends.Volos, June 2012
• Olympia Zogou: Experimental and computational investigation of the thermal and electrical performance of a new building integrated photovoltaic concept. Volos, July 2011
• George Konstantas: Development and Application of a Computer Aided Engineering Methodology Supporting the Design Optimization of Automotive Exhaust Treatment Systems. Volos, June 2006
• George Stratakis: Experimental Investigation of Catalytic Soot Oxidation and Pressure Drop Characteristics in Wall-Flow Diesel Particulate Filters. Volos, January 2004
• George Pontikakis: Modeling, Reaction Schemes and Kinetic Parameter Estimation in Automotive Catalytic Converters and Diesel Particulate Filters. Volos, June 2003

Master Theses

• Erotokritos Skordilis: Exergy Analysis and Optimization of the Power Mode Operation of a Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket, Volos, February 2013
• Panagiota Apergi: Power Generation from Waste Heat in cement plants- Application in Lafarge Volos plant, Volos, October 2012
• Ioannis Kylindris: Analysis and Optimization of a Solar ORC driven RO desalination plant, Volos, 2012
• Dimitrios Tsokolis: Cycle-to-cycle pressure variation in a single cylinder diesel engine, Volos, February 2012
• Dimitris Τziourtzioumis: Simulation and Experimental Validation of Steady State Operation of a Turbocharged, Common Rail HDI Diesel Engine running on Biodiesel blends. Volos, February 2010
• Diamantis Bakalis: Simulation of a Hybrid SOFC/GT System for Cogeneration Purposes, Volos, February 2010
• Olga Skreta: Feasibility Study of the Installation of a Hybrid Solar Plant in a Greek Dairy Products Factory, Volos, 2010
• Olympia Zogou: Transient Simulation of a Combined Cycle Trigeneration System Fuelled by Natural Gas. Volos, July 2007
• Dimitris Psarianos: Development of a System for the Measurement of Soot Maldistribution and Pressure Drop Characteristics in Diesel Particulate Filters. Volos, April 2002

Diploma Theses

• Apostolos Gkountas: Theoretical and experimental study of microturbine’s transient phenomena, Volos, October 2012
• Traianos Koulidis: Design and optimization of geothermal installation’s dual cycle, October 2010
• Diamantis Bakalis: Study of microturbines’ installation, Volos, June 2008

Professor Stamatelos Tassos
Internal Combustion Engines
Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engines (LTTE)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Thessaly

Leoforos Athinon, Pedion Areos,
38334 Volos, Greece

Tel:+30 24210 74067
Fax: +30 24210 74096
E-mail: stam@uth.gr