1. A simplified Flow Chart for Thermal Science
Energy Conservation
Irreversibility
Availability
Q:heat
W: work
Euler’s Eqn.
Navier Stoke’s Eqn.
Bernoulli’s Eqn
Mech. Energy Cons.
Note: this is only a brief overview of thermal science. Principles governing these physical phenomena have
been greatly simplified in order to illustrate the inter-connectivity between disciplines.

2. A complete thermal system: Solar Power Plant
Heat received by collector due to solar irradiation.
Heat transfer to working fluid (oil or molten salt) by convection and conduction.
High-temperature fluid heats water into steam via heat exchanger.
Steam flows through typical thermodynamic cycle(s) (ex. Rankine cycle) to generate electricity
Cycle consists of a series of processes (ex. isentropic expansion in turbine, isentropic compression in pump, heat loss to condenser.)
Work and energy balance will be calculated using 1st law of thermodynamics and thermal properties of working fluids.
Fluid principles be used to analyze flow work in pump and turbine, pressure loss in piping system, convection in solar collectors.
Thermal efficiency and availability calculated using 2nd law of thermodynamics

3. W: Work Solar Irradiation Wind Energy Fossil Fuels (Chemical Energy)
Electric Energy
Thermal Energy
Energy Exchange
Q: Heat Transfer
Thermal Systems:
Solar Power Plant
Wind Energy Power Plant
Jet Engine
Internal Combustion Engine
Refrigeration & Heating Equipment
Thermal Bubble Inkjet Printer
Electronic Cooling Package
Wasteful Byproducts:
Thermal Pollution
Air/Water Pollution
Toxic Contamination
DU: Internal Energy Change
Generate Electrical Energy
Transform into Mechanical Energy
Electric Energy Input
Inkjet Printing
W: Work
Work Input and Output

4. Understand fundamentals of thermal science
Energy Balance: Process DU = Q – W, Cycle DU = 0, Qcycle=Wcycle
Thermal Efficiency: Power cycle h = Wout/Qin
Refrigeration cycle b = Qin/Wcycle
Relevant Issues:
Understand fundamentals of thermal science
Improve efficiency of existing thermal system
Reduce environmental pollution
Greenhouse effect, ozone depletion
Devise innovative thermal technology
Interdisciplinary knowledge is required
Methodology used:
System definition and modeling
Thermal properties identification
Apply engineering principles
Mass, momentum, energy conservation
First and Second laws of Thermodynamics
Heat transfer modes

5. Turbine Solar Irradiation Solar Collector High-temp Low-temp fluid
Condenser
Pump
Heat Exchange
Solar Irradiation
High-temp
fluid
Low-temp
steam
Low-temp,
pressurized
water
Shaft work output
Mixed water & vapor
Turbine
Cooling water