ABSTRACT
This first chapter is a quantitative introduction to the broad concept of energy: It explains the fundamental concepts related to energy transformations and establishes the analytical basis for the rest of the book. Relevant elementary concepts of the discipline of thermodynamics are presented to explain the fundamental principles for the conversion of energy from one form into another. Because a great deal of confusion to the nonexpert stems from the use of a myriad of units for energy, an extensive section is devoted to the explanation and relation of the different units that are still used. The definitions and relationships of common figures of merit we use daily, such as the efficiency, the coefficient of performance, and seasonal energy efficiency ratio, are given in a simple and comprehensible way. Finally, a succinct description is given of the thermodynamic cycles that produce electric power and provide refrigeration and air-conditioning.
