Energy Systems: A Project-Based Approach to Sustainability Thinking for Energy Conversion Systems

Energy Systems: A Project-Based Approach to Sustainability Thinking for Energy Conversion Systems provides easy-to-read coverage of the fundamentals of energy conversion systems, both conventional (coal, oil, and gas) and renewable energy (photovoltaics, solar-heat, wind, biomass, geothermal, and water). The book is organized in an innovative, student-friendly way. Chapters are presented in a "bite-sized" format that aligns with a 14-week lecture schedule and act as stand-alone units that allow for instructors to customize the order in which they are covered. Each chapter opens with a real-world example to provide context, goes on to offer concise technical explanations of theories and concepts, and concludes with annotated worked examples that connect to real-world applications. Dialogue boxes highlight "Key Facts" and "Future Possibilities" and prompt students to "Stop and Think" and "Test Yourself", allowing them to build their design thinking skills. Worked examples are presented in an active learning, self-study manner and homework problems in each chapter ask students to perform both quantitative calculations and qualitative assessments of energy technologies. Five mini-projects throughout the book give students practice creating solutions for open-ended design questions. Three remedial appendices provide a review of basic concepts in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics. A companion instructor's manual includes solutions to the homework problems and mini-projects, plus a grading rubric and guide to integrating the book into a typical course syllabus.