Developments in the Design of Thermal Systems

As the cost and complexity of designing thermal systems have increased, the need to understand and improve the design process has also grown. This book describes recent progress. The book begins with a brief history and outline of developments in thermal system design. Chapters then discuss computer design tools for the power and chemical industries, predicting physical properties with computational tools, "pinch analysis" to improve thermal efficiency, applications of the energy concept, thermoeconomics, and the potential for artificial intelligence and expert systems in the design of thermal systems. With chapters written by internationally recognized authorities, the book offers a state-of-the-art review for both researchers and practitioners in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and power engineering.

Thermal systems are essential features in power, chemical processing, air conditioning, and other industries where heat and power are used. This book describes recent progress in the design of thermal systems.Following a brief history, chapters cover computer design tools for the power and chemical industries, the use of "pinch analysis" to improve thermal efficiency, applications of the exergy concept, thermoeconomics, and the potential for artificial intelligence and expert systems in the design of thermal systems.