📚 Energy Systems: A New Approach to Engineering Thermodynamics (2nd Ed.)

The Pedagogical Foundation for Modern Energy System Education

Welcome to the Companion Website

This website complements Energy Systems: A New Approach to Engineering Thermodynamics (2nd Ed.), the foundational volume of a three-book series that revolutionizes energy systems education.

It explains how this book is part of a set of three books that allow you to start by learning about thermal energy systems and then conduct in-depth studies on two particularly important topics:

• the behavior of these systems under off-design conditions,
• and thermodynamic cycles coupled with nuclear reactors.

It also lists the various educational activities announced in the boxes of the different chapters of this book.

🌟 The Book That Changed Thermodynamics Education

For 25 years, we’ve pioneered a revolutionary approach to teaching thermodynamics—without overwhelming mathematics, using interactive simulations and real-world applications. This book is the gateway to understanding energy systems through:

✅ Graphical Systemic Modeling: Build and analyze cycles visually with Thermoptim
✅ Simplified Theory: Focus on physical concepts, equations introduced only when needed
✅ Broad Coverage: From steam plants to fuel cells, from refrigeration to renewable energy
✅ Progressive Learning: Two of the three pedagogical modes adapted to all levels

📕 Order This Volume

Energy Systems: A New Approach to Engineering Thermodynamics is published by Routledge/ Taylor & Francis Group (2021).

🛒 Order on the Publisher’s Website →

ISBN: 9781032007748

🎯 Why This Book Is Unique

This 2021 edition is the foundational volume that established a new paradigm in thermodynamics education:

Key Innovation: The CFRP approach (Components, Functions, Reference Processes) allows learners to understand thermodynamic systems qualitatively before tackling quantitative analysis.

👥 Who Is This Book For?

This edition serves the broadest possible audience:

• 🔧 Technicians & Operators: Visual understanding of system operation (Mode 1 - Streamlined)
• 🎓 Undergraduate Students: Design and optimization fundamentals (Mode 2 - Progressive)
• 👨‍🏫 Educators: Complete teaching framework with ready-to-use resources
• 💼 Professionals in Continuing Education: Quick access to modern energy systems
• 🌍 International Learners: Available in English and French

Not ready for advanced component modeling or nuclear cycles? This is your starting point.
Already familiar with basics? Explore Volume 1 or Volume 2 for deeper specialization.

📖 Comprehensive Coverage of Energy Technologies

Unlike specialized textbooks, this edition covers the full spectrum of thermodynamic energy systems:

🔥 Power Generation

• Steam power plants (Rankine or Hirn cycles, reheat, regeneration)
• Gas turbines (Brayton cycles, regeneration, aircraft propulsion)
• Internal combustion engines (reciprocating, Diesel, Otto)
• Combined cycles
• Cogeneration and CHP systems

❄️ Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

• Vapor compression cycles
• Absorption refrigeration (LiBr-H₂O, NH3-H₂O)
• Heat pumps
• Cryogenic cycles
• Psychrometrics and HVAC design

🌱 Renewable & Innovative Energy

• Solar thermodynamic systems
• Geothermal and OTEC cycles
• Biomass energy conversion
• Stirling engines
• Advanced gas turbine cycles (humid air, supercritical CO₂)

⚡ Emerging Technologies

• Fuel cells (SOFC, PEM)
• Electrolyzers and hydrogen production
• Desalination systems
• Future nuclear reactor cycles (Gen IV)
• Oxyfuel combustion

Total: 18 chapters covering over 40 different cycle types and applications.

🎓 Two Pedagogical Modes for Progressive Mastery

Our adaptive methodology ensures the book serves learners at the two first stages, the third one being fully addressed in the 2026 volumes.

Mode 1: Light

For: Technicians, operators, vocational training, MOOCs
Focus: Visual understanding, system operation, troubleshooting
Tools:

• Diapason narrated slideshows
• Guided explorations (step-by-step)
• Drag-and-drop, gap-fill, categorization self-assessments
• No entropy, no exergy — just practical thermodynamics

Outcome: Operate and diagnose energy systems confidently

Mode 2: Progressive

For: Undergraduate students, practicing engineers
Focus: Cycle design, performance optimization, comparative analysis
Tools:

• Start with Mode 1 foundation
• Introduction to entropy and exergy after mastering basics
• Additional self-assessment exercises
• Spiral learning (concepts revisited with increasing depth)
• Exergy analysis and pinch method

Outcome: Design and optimize conventional energy systems

Mode 3: In-Depth (Introduced, completed in Volumes 1-2)

For: Graduate students, researchers, advanced practitioners
Focus: Innovation, theoretical validation, advanced simulations
Tools:

• Complete equation sets
• Advanced Thermoptim features (external class development)
• Component sizing and off-design system behavior
• Custom controller development

Outcome: Create novel cycles and push technological boundaries

For a deeper understanding of these topics, two notes expand on the pedagogical use of Thermoptim: the first elaborates on the new educational paradigm it enables, while the second addresses its theoretical foundations.

🎯 Interactive Learning Resources on This Website

Beyond the textbook, this companion website provides comprehensive interactive resources organized for easy access:

📋 Suggested Activities

A complete guide to all learning materials, organized by activity type:

• Key Issues — 20 essential concepts to master
• Guided Explorations — 45+ step-by-step Thermoptim simulations
• Worked Examples — 15+ real-world case studies with complete solutions
• Self-Assessment — 70+ interactive exercises (drag-drop, gap-fill, categorization, quizzes)
• Online Course 2022 — Structured learning pathway for Modes 1-2

Why visit this page?

• Find activities organized by activity type
• Access all digital resources in one convenient location
• Follow recommended learning paths for different skill levels

🔹 Browse All Suggested Activities — Your interactive learning companion

“Think of this as your digital laboratory — everything you need to practice, explore, and master energy systems modeling is organized here.”

🔧 Essential Digital Tools

Every chapter is supported by comprehensive digital resources:

🔗 Your Path Through the Complete Series

This book is the pedagogical foundation. The 2026 volumes build upon it for specialized, advanced study:

🔹 📚 Series Portal — All Three Volumes — Overview of the complete series, coverage table, and recommended learning paths

📘 Energy Systems (2021) — THIS BOOK

• Scope: Broad coverage of all energy technologies
• Pedagogy: Simplified, accessible to all levels (Modes 1-2)
• Depth: Introductory to intermediate
• Goal: Understand the fundamentals of thermal energy conversion

→ Start here if: You’re new to thermodynamics OR need a comprehensive overview OR prefer simplified explanations

📗 Volume 1: Advanced Modeling of Energy Components (2026)

• Scope: Deep dive into component behavior and systemic analysis
• Pedagogy: Technical, assumes foundational knowledge (Mode 3)
• Depth: Advanced — off-design operation, performance maps, technological constraints
• Goal: Master realistic component modeling

→ Continue here if: You’ve mastered the basics AND want to model real components accurately AND need off-design analysis

🔹 Visit Volume 1 Website

📕 Volume 2: Nuclear Power Plant Thermodynamic Cycles (2026)

• Scope: Specialized focus on nuclear thermodynamic cycles
• Pedagogy: Advanced-level, assumes 2021 edition knowledge (Modes 2-3)
• Depth: Highly specialized — PWR, BWR, SMR, Gen IV, supercritical CO₂, cogeneration
• Goal: Model and optimize complete nuclear plant cycles

→ Continue here if: You’re motivated by nuclear energy AND need detailed cycle analysis AND want real plant case studies

🔹 Visit Volume 2 Website

📥 Getting Started

Essential Downloads

• Thermoptim Software — Free demo version
• Thermoptim-UNIT Portal — All digital resources
• Self-Assessment Exercises — Test your knowledge

📧 Contact us

© Renaud Gicquel, 2021.2