Energy Systems; A New Approach to Engineering Thermodynamics

Considered as particularly difficult by generations of students and engineers, thermodynamics applied to energy systems can now be taught with an original instruction method. Energy Systems applies a completely different approach to the calculation, application and theory of multiple energy conversion technologies. It aims to create the reader’s foundation for understanding and applying the design principles to all kinds of energy cycles, including renewable energy. Proven to be simpler and more reflective than existing methods, it deals with energy system modeling, instead of the thermodynamic foundations, as the primary objective. Although its style is drastically different from other textbooks, no concession is done to coverage: with encouraging pace, the complete range from basic thermodynamics to the most advanced energy systems is addressed.

The accompanying Thermoptim™ portal (http://direns.mines-paristech.fr/Sites/Thopt/en/co/_Arborescence_web.html) presents the software and manuals (in English and French) to solve over 200 examples, and programming and design tools for exercises of all levels of complexity. The reader is explained how to build appropriate models to bridge the technological reality with the theoretical basis of energy engineering. Offering quick overviews through e-learning modules moreover, the portal is user-friendly and enables to quickly become fully operational. Students can freely download the Thermoptim™ modeling software demo version (in seven languages) and extended options are available to lecturers. A professional edition is also available and has been adopted by many companies and research institutes worldwide - www.thermoptim.org

This volume is intended as for courses in applied thermodynamics, energy systems, energy conversion, thermal engineering to senior undergraduate and graduate-level students in mechanical, energy, chemical and petroleum engineering. Students should already have taken a first year course in thermodynamics. The refreshing approach and exceptionally rich coverage make it a great reference tool for researchers and professionals also. Contains International Units (SI).

Renaud Gicquel is Professor at the École des Mines de Paris (Mines ParisTech), France. He has a special interest and passion for the combination of thermodynamics and energy-powered system education with modern information technology tools and developed various software packages to facilitate the teaching of applied thermodynamics and the simulation of energy systems.

Professional background: Renaud Gicquel was trained as a mining engineer and obtained his PhD in the same discipline an the Paris VI University in Paris. In the early eighties, he started his professional life as a Special Assistant to the Secretary General at the United Nations Conference in New York on new and renewable sources of energy. After positions at the French General Electric Company and the Ministry of Research and Technology, he was the advisor for Internatioanl Issues at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). IN 1986, together with Michel Grenon, he founded the Mediterranean Energy Observatory (OME) in Sophia Antipolis in the South of France. In the early nineties, he was the Deputy Director of the Ecole des Mines de Nantes (EMN) and Head of the Energy Systems and Environment Department. He also acted at the coordinator of ARTEMIS, a thermal energy research group, which he created in partnership with the University of Nantes and Polytech Nantes. Since the mid eighties, Dr Gicquel continued his academic career at the Centre for Energy Studies of the Ecole de Mines de Paris. Acting as the head and as a full professor, he teaches applied thermodynamics, global energy issues and energy system modeling. His research activities are focused on the optimization of complex thermodynamic plants and on the use of information and communication technologies for scientific instructions. He developed several software packages and published two textbooks. To facilitate the student’s learning of applied thermodynamics and the simulation of energy systems better, he developed the Thermoptim software system, which has been supported since 2006 by the portal www.thermoptim.org.