Duration
23h Th, 17h Pr, 6h Labo., 14h Proj.
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course focuses on process control, measurement techniques, and associated data-processing methods for the performance evaluation of components and processes involved in energy conversion. These techniques are addressed in the context of both new component development and the performance monitoring of components operating in industrial environments.
The course begins with an introduction to process control and subsequently covers the following topics:
- Measurement chains: principles, components, and overall architecture;
- Sensor characteristics, specifications, and calibration: operating principles, calibration methods, and reporting of calibration results;
- Measurement uncertainty: propagation of uncertainties, uncertainty estimation, and selection of appropriate instrumentation;
- Statistical processing of measurement data: data validation, and criteria for identifying and rejecting spurious measurements;
- Measurement techniques: temperature, pressure, and mass-flow-rate measurements; directional probes; velocity and humidity measurements; and mass flow meters;
- Model calibration and parameter identification: methods for calibrating models and estimating model parameters from experimental data;
- Test-rig design: measurement redundancy, verification of energy and mass balances, the importance of calibration, and methods for reconciling measured data.
Laboratory sessions and application-oriented exercises are integrated throughout the course to illustrate and reinforce the theoretical concepts presented in class. Students will work with real-life engineering applications and develop practical skills in measurement, data analysis, uncertainty assessment, and experimental validation.
As part of a semester-long project, students will be required to design and/or upgrade a test rig. This project will allow them to apply the concepts covered throughout the course, from the selection and calibration of instrumentation to data acquisition, analysis, uncertainty assessment, and verification of experimental results.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply appropriate measurement techniques to assess the performance of components, vapor-compression cycles, and industrial processes, including the design of measurement chains, the selection of suitable sensors, and the evaluation and propagation of measurement uncertainties.
- Select and apply appropriate data-processing methods according to the specific requirements and objectives of an engineering application.
- Apply statistical methods to reliably analyse experimental data, including outlier detection and rejection, model calibration, parameter identification, and data reconciliation.
- Describe and apply process-control methods and practically implement an appropriate control strategy for a given application.
- Design and/or develop an experimental apparatus by systematically integrating relevant technical constraints, measurement requirements, and design considerations to meet the objectives of a given experimental project.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is divided into lectures that take place every Wednesday morning.
The theoretical concepts seen during the course are illustrated with exercises and/or laboratory sessions. A detailed schedule is provided to the students at the first lecture.
Attendance is mandatory for the laboratory sessions and the session about sensors calibration.
Students will also be tasked with designing and/or upgrading a test rig for their semester-long project. The project will be evaluated during an oral exam.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Slides are available for theory and exercise sessions.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The exact schedule and the deadlines are communicated during the first lecture.
The theoretical lectures will be taught in English.
Contacts
Samuel GENDEBIEN
Laboratoire de Thermodynamique, B49 tél : +32 (0)4 366 4800 sgendebien@uliege.be
Pierre DEWALLEF
Laboratoire de Thermodynamique, B49 tél : +32 (0)4 366 99 95 p.dewallef@uliege.be