ABSTRACT
Thermal energy systems can be thought of as providing one of two basic functions: (1) deliver power or (2) transport energy using a fluid (or fluids) to provide heating and/or cooling. The thermodynamic analysis of such systems is a critical part of their successful design. This chapter presents some of the fundamental concepts in thermodynamic analysis of thermal energy systems. It is assumed that the reader has had a formal course in engineering thermodynamics. Because of this, much of what is contained in this chapter may be review. This chapter is not meant to be a substitute for a full course in thermodynamics. Where material is considered review, the presentation will be brief.
Perhaps one of the more frustrating things experienced by an engineering student is the inconsistent nomenclature seen in the three engineering sciences of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. There are certain unavoidable variable duplications that are used to represent different quantities. A few of the more common variable duplications are shown in Table 3.1. This variable duplication is unfortunate because it tends to compartmentalize each subject in the student’s mind.
