River Publishers – Expert Opinion

Thermodynamics Made Simple for Energy Engineers (2nd Edition) - & Engineers in Other Disciplines©

By: S. Bobby Rauf, PE, CEM, CMT, CE, MBA
Semtrain, LLC, June 7th, 2023

As the author of this book and the instructor of a course on the topic, I am excited about the publication of this second edition. Years ago, I found my required college thermodynamics course at NC State University abstract and esoteric; replete with complex thermodynamics principles and concepts. I dreaded it! However, somehow, I managed to ace it! In my opinion, all books should be premised on a core mission and must offer an angle or deliverables that other publications don’t. So, when I decided to write this book, my prime objective was to convey thermodynamics and HVAC knowledge to the readers in a fashion that they can understand with relative ease, ample explanation, and supported by copious day-to-day examples that readers can relate to. This second edition follows the same tradition. Like the first edition of this text, this publication is designed to serve as a tool for building basic engineering skills in the realm of thermodynamics and HVAC. Similar to new editions of most publications, readers will find copious updates to technical data and case-studies in the spirit of continuous improvement. One of the key case studies in this book, pertaining to thermodynamics design feasibility analysis of arctic station "Station Zebra”", has been revamped, calibrated, and enhanced to align to more realistic turbine efficiency levels. Some of the enhancements in this edition include improved formula formats, more illustrative diagrams, more current energy cost information, clearer explanation of operation of heat engines, and updated refrigeration cycle diagram, etc. if you are looking for an easy to read reference book that includes analytical and calculation techniques, illustrated with detailed examples, with every step shown and explained, then you must consider this book. Every chapter includes sample problems with detailed solutions. At the end of each chapter, you get an opportunity to hone your skills by working “self-assessment” problems, solutions for which are at the end of the book.

A diagram, excerpted from the second edition of this book I shown below:

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