ABSTRACT
Before the advent of modern computing technology, thermal energy systems were designed using a combination of lengthy hand calculations, graphs and plots that represent component performance, and experience. The resulting system may not have been an optimum economic design, but it met the required need. Modern engineering practice requires the engineer to consider the environmental impact of his/her designs in addition to thermal performance and cost-effectiveness. This implies that the system should be designed to meet some sort of optimum condition. Modern computing technology allows this to occur through a series of processes known as simulation, evaluation, and optimization.
