Advanced Modeling of Thermodynamic Energy Components and Systems

Advanced Modeling of Thermodynamic Energy Components and Systems presents intermediate‑complexity models for energy system components. It addresses a critical gap in studying energy systems under off‑design conditions, examining how systems behave when ambient temperature or load conditions change.

Using Thermoptim software’s systemic approach, which graphically links component icons and encapsulates equations within modules, this book focuses on cycle architecture and component interactions rather than equation manipulation. It demonstrates how component technologies (dynamic versus positive displacement compressors, various heat exchanger types) fundamentally affect system behavior and provides tools to model these distinctions accurately.

This book equips mechanical and energy engineering researchers, professionals and graduate students with methods bridging technological characteristics and thermodynamic models.

Renaud Gicquel served as a Full Professor and later a Distinguished Professor at PSL University, France, directing its Centre for Energy Studies (1987–2004). A graduate of École des Mines de Paris, France, with a doctorate from Paris VI University, France, Dr. Gicquel’s passion for integrating technology with thermodynamics education led him to develop Thermoptim, an innovative software widely used for energy system simulation and teaching, and author over 80 papers and three books. He has also created three MOOCs, democratizing access to advanced energy concepts globally. Dr. Gicquel’s career spans numerous, notable international roles: Special Assistant to the UN Secretary General for the Conference on New and Renewable Energy Sources (1980), senior positions at France’s Ministry for Research and the National and CNRS, and co‑founding the Mediterranean Energy Observatory (1986).