TechCamp@POLIMI 2023 granted students from the  Green Energy course the privilege of visiting the Fluid Dynamics Laboratory of the Energy Department (Bovisa campus), one of the leading laboratories in the field in Europe.

The laboratory is dedicated, in particular, to the study and experimental characterization of the fluid dynamic performance of turbines, compressors, and pumps.

During the visit, the students were initially divided into three groups, which rotated and worked on the following topics:

• Analysis of the energy availability in Italy in relation to wind and hydraulic resources.
• Analysis of the behavior of a Pelton turbine operating with different applied electrical loads and different levels of available energy. The students were able to witness firsthand the operation of a fluid machine, the close interconnection between energy conversion machines and the electrical grid, and the available load (available energy). The different levels of available energy were generated by adjusting an appropriate flow of compressed air, while the different electrical loads were generated by turning on and off low-power light bulbs.
• Analysis of the behavior of a wind turbine operating with different applied electrical loads and different levels of available energy. The students were able to witness firsthand the operation of a fluid machine, its close interconnection with the electrical grid and the available load (available energy). The different levels of available energy were generated by adjusting an auxiliary fan that produced wind at different speeds, while the different electrical loads were generated by working with resistors and thus dissipating electrical energy.

Here are some images of this experience!