Chapter hvac engineering Fundamentals: Part 1 Introduction

17.8
Summary
Thermodynamics is an interesting and valuable study for the HVAC
designer. Its principles define the concept of energy and identify which
energy processes are possible and which are impossible unless forced.
The first law of thermodynamics allows us to count and keep track of
energy as if it were money in the bank. The second law of thermody-
namics confirms that energy processes run downhill. This knowledge
helps an HVAC designer to identify reality among the often overstated
claims of overenthusiastic inventors and salespeople. The mathemat-
ical relationships of thermodynamics allow the designer to quickly and
confidently calculate the energy flows in a process.
References
1. William J. Coad, ‘‘Fundamentals to Frontiers (Fundamentals of Thermodynamics),’’
Heating
/
Piping
/
Air Conditioning,
February 1981.
2. William J. Coad, ‘‘Fundamentals to Frontiers (Unavailable Energy),’’
Heating
/
Piping
/
Air Conditioning,
March 1982.
Engineering Fundamentals: Part 2
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Chapter
18
Engineering Fundamentals: