Viticultural and Enological Engineering
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course provides knowledge of the functional schemes of the main enological machines used in the winery and of the main laws and regulations of the plant sector. Moreover, the course provides sizing criteria for enology plants and equipment, and it aims to acquire analysis methods for simple and complex plants.
The course provides a solid preparation on the basic principles of the agricultural mechanization and a detailed knowledge of the machinery and working operations carried out in viticulture, also thanks to several theoretical and practical examples of tractors and implements dimensioning. Particular importance is also paid to the operators' safety and comfort when working with machinery in viticulture.
The course provides a solid preparation on the basic principles of the agricultural mechanization and a detailed knowledge of the machinery and working operations carried out in viticulture, also thanks to several theoretical and practical examples of tractors and implements dimensioning. Particular importance is also paid to the operators' safety and comfort when working with machinery in viticulture.
Expected learning outcomes
Acquisition of technical language skills and technical terminology.
Skills in devising, design and manage production systems and processes related to the wine industry;
Ability to perform economic and functional analyses of different technical solutions along the wine production chain, and to conduct production lines for wine industries, optimizing functionality and sustainability.
Ability for structuring and dimensioning (if not yet existing) or for verifying the congruity (if already working) of the winery machinery, considering the extension, the breeding techniques, the pedo-climatic conditions and the main agronomic goals.
Skills in devising, design and manage production systems and processes related to the wine industry;
Ability to perform economic and functional analyses of different technical solutions along the wine production chain, and to conduct production lines for wine industries, optimizing functionality and sustainability.
Ability for structuring and dimensioning (if not yet existing) or for verifying the congruity (if already working) of the winery machinery, considering the extension, the breeding techniques, the pedo-climatic conditions and the main agronomic goals.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
Unit 1
1. Design the elements of a winery, based on technical-economic analysis of the plants: fixed costs, variables, the profitability diagram. Perform a preliminary study of the winery: identification of the objectives, analysis of the process cycle, sizing of machine performance, building elements of the winery, study of the lay-out, operating principles, organization of a plant.
2. Functional diagrams of the main oenological machines. The correct sizing of storage capacity.
3. Electricity in the winery: references to the main electrotechnical laws, transformers, electric motors, electrical safety, electricity pricing.
4. Refrigeration systems: purpose of refrigeration, inverted Carnot cycle, cooling efficiency, refrigerants, refrigeration cycle, system components (compressors, condensers, expansion systems, evaporators).
5. The setup of temperature and humidity in the winery: aims, the thermal balance of a conditioned room, the Mollier diagram (description, the transformations of the humid air), plant components.
6. Oenological pumps: centrifugal and volumetric pumps. Characteristic curves, selection criteria, regulation, pumps in series and in parallel.
Unit 2
1. Introduction (0.25 ECTS): usage methods of machinery in viticulture, in Italy and in the countries in which the viticulture is diffused.
2. Elements of agricultural mechanics (0.25 ECTS): mechanics applied to agricultural machinery. Kinematics: linear and angular velocity, radial and tangential acceleration. Dynamics: forces (friction, tension, centrifugal force), work, torque, power. Efficiency concept. Transmission components: gears, belt and pulley drives. Friction clutches.
3. Tractor (1.5 ECTS): Otto and Diesel cycle engines and related devices and systems to reduce polluting emissions. Cooling and lubrication. Filtering of combustion air. Bench tests of diesel engines for agricultural use, performance curves. Transmission: mechanical gearbox, powershift, CVT and related efficiency typical values. Traction means: tyres, steel and rubber tracks. Traction and rolling resistance coefficients.
4. Tractor-implements coupling (1 ECTS): power take-off and its methods of use; hitch and relevant homologation standards; hydraulic lift and its methods of use; hydraulic intakes. Tractor global efficiency (rolling resistance, transmission, PTO, hydraulic system and slippage efficiency).
5. Safety and wellness in viticulture (0.25 ECTS): narrow-track tractors and stability issues (characteristics, standards, tests). Noise and vibrations (characteristics, standards, tests). Joints and cardan shafts and their protection.
6. Viticulture implements (1.25 ECTS): row management: sprayers (methods of use, functional and setting-up periodical checks, maintenance and calibration; operator's protection in pesticide treatments); pruners, toppers, leaf strippers, etc. Inter-row management: rotary hoes, diggers, centrifugal fertilizer spreaders, manure spreaders, flail mower, etc. Grape harvesting: manual and mechanized solutions (grape harvesters: types and working capacity).
7. Practise (1.5 ECTS): technical visits to manufacturers of tractors and implements used in viticulture; educational visits to wine farms, with testing and recording of data to be processed through numerical applications.
1. Design the elements of a winery, based on technical-economic analysis of the plants: fixed costs, variables, the profitability diagram. Perform a preliminary study of the winery: identification of the objectives, analysis of the process cycle, sizing of machine performance, building elements of the winery, study of the lay-out, operating principles, organization of a plant.
2. Functional diagrams of the main oenological machines. The correct sizing of storage capacity.
3. Electricity in the winery: references to the main electrotechnical laws, transformers, electric motors, electrical safety, electricity pricing.
4. Refrigeration systems: purpose of refrigeration, inverted Carnot cycle, cooling efficiency, refrigerants, refrigeration cycle, system components (compressors, condensers, expansion systems, evaporators).
5. The setup of temperature and humidity in the winery: aims, the thermal balance of a conditioned room, the Mollier diagram (description, the transformations of the humid air), plant components.
6. Oenological pumps: centrifugal and volumetric pumps. Characteristic curves, selection criteria, regulation, pumps in series and in parallel.
Unit 2
1. Introduction (0.25 ECTS): usage methods of machinery in viticulture, in Italy and in the countries in which the viticulture is diffused.
2. Elements of agricultural mechanics (0.25 ECTS): mechanics applied to agricultural machinery. Kinematics: linear and angular velocity, radial and tangential acceleration. Dynamics: forces (friction, tension, centrifugal force), work, torque, power. Efficiency concept. Transmission components: gears, belt and pulley drives. Friction clutches.
3. Tractor (1.5 ECTS): Otto and Diesel cycle engines and related devices and systems to reduce polluting emissions. Cooling and lubrication. Filtering of combustion air. Bench tests of diesel engines for agricultural use, performance curves. Transmission: mechanical gearbox, powershift, CVT and related efficiency typical values. Traction means: tyres, steel and rubber tracks. Traction and rolling resistance coefficients.
4. Tractor-implements coupling (1 ECTS): power take-off and its methods of use; hitch and relevant homologation standards; hydraulic lift and its methods of use; hydraulic intakes. Tractor global efficiency (rolling resistance, transmission, PTO, hydraulic system and slippage efficiency).
5. Safety and wellness in viticulture (0.25 ECTS): narrow-track tractors and stability issues (characteristics, standards, tests). Noise and vibrations (characteristics, standards, tests). Joints and cardan shafts and their protection.
6. Viticulture implements (1.25 ECTS): row management: sprayers (methods of use, functional and setting-up periodical checks, maintenance and calibration; operator's protection in pesticide treatments); pruners, toppers, leaf strippers, etc. Inter-row management: rotary hoes, diggers, centrifugal fertilizer spreaders, manure spreaders, flail mower, etc. Grape harvesting: manual and mechanized solutions (grape harvesters: types and working capacity).
7. Practise (1.5 ECTS): technical visits to manufacturers of tractors and implements used in viticulture; educational visits to wine farms, with testing and recording of data to be processed through numerical applications.
Prerequisites for admission
Unit 1 - This unit requires good physical and technological knowledge to allow the student to focus on the crucial aspects of the design phases of a system for oenological productions. Basic economic knowledge is important to understand the main indicators used to evaluate the correct sizing of the plants. It is mandatory to have passed the exam of Enologia 1 to access the exam.
Unit 2 - A basic knowledge of the most common agricultural self-propelled machinery and implements used in viticulture is required, as well as a good theoretical and practical acquisition of the most frequently adopted cultivation techniques for the grape production.
Unit 2 - A basic knowledge of the most common agricultural self-propelled machinery and implements used in viticulture is required, as well as a good theoretical and practical acquisition of the most frequently adopted cultivation techniques for the grape production.
Teaching methods
U.D. 1 - This Unit includes 4 CFU of frontal lessons and 1 CFU of practical exercises. During the lectures theoretical lessons and numerical simulations are presented to facilitate the acquisition of the expected expertise through practical case studies.
The teaching material is available on Ariel in advance of the classroom lessons, both for lectures and exercises. During the lectures, theoretical/practical knowledge is provided to achieve the expected results. The numerical exercises in the classroom are a fundamental complement to the theoretical lessons, where through numerical exercises and by addressing appropriate case studies, the knowledge and methodologies for quantitative sizing calculations are used. The exercises are also a valid support for the development of the winery project by the student.
U.D. 2 - The Unit 2 is structured as follows:
- Classroom lessons: 4 ECTS
- Classroom practice: 0.5 ECTS
- Field practice: 1.5 ECTS
The updated teaching materials are published on Ariel in advance of the beginning of each course edition, covering both lectures and in-class exercises.
During the lectures, students are provided with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to achieve the expected learning outcomes. In-class exercises serve as an essential integration to the lectures, focusing on detailed case studies through numerical problems related to the optimization of the dimensioning of the tractor-implement system. These exercises offer invaluable support for effectively tackling a significant portion of the exam.
Conversely, field exercises are specifically designed to provide practical applications of many concepts introduced during the lectures.
The teaching material is available on Ariel in advance of the classroom lessons, both for lectures and exercises. During the lectures, theoretical/practical knowledge is provided to achieve the expected results. The numerical exercises in the classroom are a fundamental complement to the theoretical lessons, where through numerical exercises and by addressing appropriate case studies, the knowledge and methodologies for quantitative sizing calculations are used. The exercises are also a valid support for the development of the winery project by the student.
U.D. 2 - The Unit 2 is structured as follows:
- Classroom lessons: 4 ECTS
- Classroom practice: 0.5 ECTS
- Field practice: 1.5 ECTS
The updated teaching materials are published on Ariel in advance of the beginning of each course edition, covering both lectures and in-class exercises.
During the lectures, students are provided with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to achieve the expected learning outcomes. In-class exercises serve as an essential integration to the lectures, focusing on detailed case studies through numerical problems related to the optimization of the dimensioning of the tractor-implement system. These exercises offer invaluable support for effectively tackling a significant portion of the exam.
Conversely, field exercises are specifically designed to provide practical applications of many concepts introduced during the lectures.
Teaching Resources
Unit 1
1. Slides and Lecture notes.
2. G. Nardin, A. Gaudio, G. Antonel, P. Simeoni, Impiantistica enologica, Edagricole
3. Pietro de Vita, Corso di Meccanica Enologica, Hoepli
4. R.P. Singh, D.R. Heldman, Principi di tecnologia alimentare, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Unit 2
Books:
- G. Pellizzi (1996) - Mechanics and agricultural mechanization - Edagricole, Bologna;
- P. Biondi (1999) - Agricultural Mechanics - UTET, Turin;
- Official lecture notes and other material useful for exam preparation, available on Ariel portal and on the website:
- http://dpessina.altervista.org
1. Slides and Lecture notes.
2. G. Nardin, A. Gaudio, G. Antonel, P. Simeoni, Impiantistica enologica, Edagricole
3. Pietro de Vita, Corso di Meccanica Enologica, Hoepli
4. R.P. Singh, D.R. Heldman, Principi di tecnologia alimentare, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Unit 2
Books:
- G. Pellizzi (1996) - Mechanics and agricultural mechanization - Edagricole, Bologna;
- P. Biondi (1999) - Agricultural Mechanics - UTET, Turin;
- Official lecture notes and other material useful for exam preparation, available on Ariel portal and on the website:
- http://dpessina.altervista.org
Assessment methods and Criteria
Unit 1 - The exam includes both a written and an oral test; it is necessary to pass the written test to access the oral test.
Written test: both numerical dimensioning exercises (4 or 5 exercises) and "open" theoretical questions (2 or 3 questions) are proposed. Passing the written test (minimum threshold 16/30) guarantees access to the oral test. The ability to correctly set the resolution of the exercises and the ability to correctly conduct the calculations of the exercises are assessed. For the theoretical questions, the completeness of the answer and the clarity of the exposition are assessed. The written test takes place in person, duration of the written test 2 hours. The grade of the written test is communicated via the Ariel pages of the course. It is possible to use the scientific calculator. There are no ongoing tests.
Oral test: during the lessons the basis for the development of the project of a winery are provided. Students, individually or divided into work groups (maximum 3 members), must present an elaborate project including all the project phases analyzed during the course. Approximate duration of the project presentation 15-20 minutes. The project is evaluated with a score from 1 to 3 points that are added to the grade of the written test to obtain the overall grade of U.D.1. Both the completeness of the aspects to be addressed and described and the clarity of the presentation are evaluated. The project can be written using PPT (preferred) or Word. The project presentation takes place in person or, if necessary and appropriately motivated, can take place remotely on Teams.
Unit 2 - Examination Details
The examination consists of a written test, graded on a 30-point scale, typically completed within 1.5 hours. The test includes four exercises, with the maximum achievable score for each exercise communicated at the start of each exam session. The first two exercises involve optimization of the dimensioning of a tractor and/or implement for crrying out a specific agricultural operation, based on the data provided in the problem statement.
The further two exercises require descriptive answers and address broader topics related to the course syllabus.
The results of the exam are communicated after a reasonable period, allowing time for the written responses to be graded. The written test is considered passed if the score is at least 18/30.
A review session is sistematically scheduled for students to view their corrected exams. This opportunity is available both to those who did not pass and to those who wish to verify their performance.
A midterm test is also offered around the halfway point of the course. It consists of a series of questions, including multiple-choice and descriptive-response formats, covering topics already presented during the course. The results of the midterm are communicated within a few days via personal email and published anonymously (using only the student's registration number) on the MyAriel platform.
Students who achieve a passing grade in the midterm are eligible to take a reduced written test during the subsequent exam session. This test includes solving only one problem (chosen from two options) and answering one descriptive question (normally chosen from two options).
The evaluation criteria for the exercises are the correctness and completeness of the solutions. The answers to the descriptive questions are assessed based on clarity of exposition, consistency with the question requirements, and level of detail.
The final grade for the entire exam is the WEIGHTED average of the grades obtained in the two course units (U.D. 1 and U.D. 2).
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
Written test: both numerical dimensioning exercises (4 or 5 exercises) and "open" theoretical questions (2 or 3 questions) are proposed. Passing the written test (minimum threshold 16/30) guarantees access to the oral test. The ability to correctly set the resolution of the exercises and the ability to correctly conduct the calculations of the exercises are assessed. For the theoretical questions, the completeness of the answer and the clarity of the exposition are assessed. The written test takes place in person, duration of the written test 2 hours. The grade of the written test is communicated via the Ariel pages of the course. It is possible to use the scientific calculator. There are no ongoing tests.
Oral test: during the lessons the basis for the development of the project of a winery are provided. Students, individually or divided into work groups (maximum 3 members), must present an elaborate project including all the project phases analyzed during the course. Approximate duration of the project presentation 15-20 minutes. The project is evaluated with a score from 1 to 3 points that are added to the grade of the written test to obtain the overall grade of U.D.1. Both the completeness of the aspects to be addressed and described and the clarity of the presentation are evaluated. The project can be written using PPT (preferred) or Word. The project presentation takes place in person or, if necessary and appropriately motivated, can take place remotely on Teams.
Unit 2 - Examination Details
The examination consists of a written test, graded on a 30-point scale, typically completed within 1.5 hours. The test includes four exercises, with the maximum achievable score for each exercise communicated at the start of each exam session. The first two exercises involve optimization of the dimensioning of a tractor and/or implement for crrying out a specific agricultural operation, based on the data provided in the problem statement.
The further two exercises require descriptive answers and address broader topics related to the course syllabus.
The results of the exam are communicated after a reasonable period, allowing time for the written responses to be graded. The written test is considered passed if the score is at least 18/30.
A review session is sistematically scheduled for students to view their corrected exams. This opportunity is available both to those who did not pass and to those who wish to verify their performance.
A midterm test is also offered around the halfway point of the course. It consists of a series of questions, including multiple-choice and descriptive-response formats, covering topics already presented during the course. The results of the midterm are communicated within a few days via personal email and published anonymously (using only the student's registration number) on the MyAriel platform.
Students who achieve a passing grade in the midterm are eligible to take a reduced written test during the subsequent exam session. This test includes solving only one problem (chosen from two options) and answering one descriptive question (normally chosen from two options).
The evaluation criteria for the exercises are the correctness and completeness of the solutions. The answers to the descriptive questions are assessed based on clarity of exposition, consistency with the question requirements, and level of detail.
The final grade for the entire exam is the WEIGHTED average of the grades obtained in the two course units (U.D. 1 and U.D. 2).
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION - University credits: 11
Field activity: 16 hours
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Beghi Roberto, Pessina Domenico
Shifts:
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment only
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - via Celoria 2, Milano
Reception:
by appointment only (preferably defined via e-mail)
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - via Celoria, 2 - 20133 Milano