ABSTRACT
Thermal energy systems can be thought of as providing two basic functions: deliver power or transport energy using a fluid 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. The analysis and design of thermal energy systems often requires the simultaneous application of all basic engineering sciences. There are four physical quantities that are conserved; mass, energy, momentum, and electrical charge. Examples of balanced quantities pertinent to thermal energy systems are entropy and energy. The chapter draws on a system boundary to identify what is being analyzed. Conservation and balance laws that are needed to conduct the system analysis are meaningless unless a system boundary is drawn. Some system boundaries may complicate the analysis to the point where it cannot be completed because information about fluid properties, flow rates, or energy transfers is unknown.
