Thermal System Design and Simulation
- 2nd Edition - November 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Authors: P.L. Dhar, Sridhar Thyageswaran
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 3 9 0 6 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 3 9 0 7 - 3
Thermal System Design and Simulation covers the fundamental analyses of thermal energy systems that enable users to effectively formulate their own simulation and optimal design… Read more
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Thermal System Design and Simulation covers the fundamental analyses of thermal energy systems that enable users to effectively formulate their own simulation and optimal design procedures. This reference provides step-by-step guidance on how to mathematically formulate objective functions and design constraints and develop strategies to solve them to obtain optimal solutions with minimal computational effort. The book uniquely illustrates the methodology of combining information flow diagrams to simplify system simulation procedures needed in optimal design. Expanded and updated for currency, "Thermal System Design and Simulation" includes case studies and a comprehensive presentation on the dynamics of thermal systems and control systems needed to ensure safe operation at varying loads. Designed to give readers the hands-on skills needed to develop their own customized software for simulating and designing thermal systems, this book is useful for anyone interested in obtaining advanced knowledge of thermal system analysis and design.
• Covers essential basics of mathematical and engineering theory, associated computer modelling and engineering design principles
• Contains detailed models of simulation for equipment in commonly used thermal engineering systems
• Presents illustrations for the methodology of using information flow diagrams to simplify system simulation procedures
• Includes global case studies of simulation and optimization of thermal systems
• Features online solvers and open-source software to optimize equation solving and design
• Contains detailed models of simulation for equipment in commonly used thermal engineering systems
• Presents illustrations for the methodology of using information flow diagrams to simplify system simulation procedures
• Includes global case studies of simulation and optimization of thermal systems
• Features online solvers and open-source software to optimize equation solving and design
University students (Advanced undergraduate, Master’s Degree, Ph.D. or Postdoc) who need specialized math skills to pursue advanced topics in the fields of thermal energy engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and energy engineering
1 Introduction
1.1 Outline of the Book
2 Mathematical Background
2.0 Learning Outcomes
2.1 Linear Algebraic Equations
2.1.1 Difficulties Encountered in Gaussian Elimination
2.2 Non-linear Algebraic Equations
2.2.1 Warner's Method
2.3 Equation fitting
2.3.1 Generalized Linear Regression
2.3.2 Nonlinear Regression
2.4 Differential Equations
2.4.1 Single-step methods
2.4.2 Multistep methods
2.4.3 Systems of Equations
2.4.4 Boundary Value Problems
2.4.5 Collocation and Least Squares Methods
2.5 Laplace Transformation
2.5.1 Transfer function
2.6 Analysis of Uncertainty
2.7 Engineering Economics
2.7.1 Time Value of Money
2.7.2 Present Worth Analysis
2.7.3 Rate of Return Analysis
2.7.4 Life-Cycle Costing
2.8 Summary
2.9 References
2.10 Problems
2.11 Brief Solution to Problems
3 Review of Fundamentals
3.0 Learning Outcomes
3.1 Thermodynamics
3.1.1 Thermodynamics of Multicomponent Systems
3.1.2 Thermodynamics of Reactive Mixtures
3.1.3 Exergy Analysis
3.2 Fluid Flow
3.2.1 Compressible Flow
3.2.2 Two-phase Flow
3.3 Heat Transfer
3.3.1 Conductive Heat Transfer
3.3.2 Radiative Heat Transfer
3.3.3 Solar Radiation
3.3.4 Convective Heat Transfer
3.4 Mass Transfer
3.4.1 Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer
3.5 Summary
3.6 References
3.7 Problems
3.8 Brief Solution to Problems
4 Modelling of Thermal Equipment
4.0 Learning Outcomes
4.1 Heat Exchangers
4.1.1 Single-Pass Parallel and Counter-Flow Heat Exchangers
4.1.2 Single Pass Cross-Flow Heat Exchanger
4.1.3 Multi-pass Heat Exchangers
4.1.4 Heat Exchangers with Varying Heat-Transfer Coefficients
4.1.5 Pressure Drop
4.1.6 Microchannel Heat Exchangers
4.2 Heat and Mass Exchangers
4.2.1 Cooling and Dehumidifying Coils
4.2.2 Cooling Towers and Spray Washers
4.2.3 Heat and Mass Exchangers Using Desiccants
4.3 Reciprocating Devices
4.3.1 Reciprocating Compressor
4.3.2 IC Engine
4.4 Rotating Devices
4.4.1 Centrifugal Compressors
4.4.2 Scroll Compressors
4.5 Thermoelectric modules
4.6 Solar collectors and Solar PV systems
4.7 Other Applications
4.7.1 Cooling of Electronic Equipment
4.7.2 Thermal Processing of Moving Materials
4.7.3 Temperature Distribution during Welding
4.7.4 Heat and Mass Transfer during Drying of Solids
4.8 Summary
4.9 References
4.10 Problems
4.11 Brief Solution to Problems
5 System Simulation
5.0 Learning Outcomes
5.1 Information Flow Diagram
5.2 Solution Methodology
5.3 Off-Design Performance Prediction
5.4 Summary
5.5 References
5.6 Problems
5.7 Brief Solution to Problems
6 System Simulation - Case Studies
6.0 Learning Outcomes
6.1 Industrial Refrigeration Plant
6.1.1 Component Simulation
6.1.2 System Simulation
6.1.3 Validation
6.2 Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP)
6.2.1 Component Simulation
6.2.2 System Simulation
6.3 Liquid Desiccant-based Air Conditioning System (LDAC)
6.3.1 Component Simulation
6.3.2 System Simulation
6.4 Solar Thermal Systems
6.5 Solar PV Systems
6.6 Epilogue
6.7 Summary
6.8 References
6.9 Problems
6.10 Brief Solution to Problems
7 Introduction to Optimum Design
7.0 Learning Outcomes
7.1 General Formulation of an Optimum System Design Problem
7.2 Optimum Design of a Component
7.3 Epilogue
7.4 Summary
7.5 References
7.6 Problems
7.7 Brief Solution to Problems
8 Optimization Techniques
8.0 Learning Outcomes
8.1 Analytical Methods
8.1.1 Constrained Optimization
8.1.2 Geometric Programming
8.1.3 Calculus of Variations (COV)
8.1.4 Pontryagin's Maximum Principle
8.1.5 Discrete Maximum Principle
8.2 Numerical Methods
8.2.1 Single Variable Functions
8.2.2 Multivariable Functions
8.2.3 Mixed Discrete-Continuous Variables
8.2.4 Genetic Algorithms (GA)
8.2.5 Hooke-Jeeves Method
8.2.6 Nelder-Mead Method
8.3 Summary
8.4 References
8.5 Problems
8.6 Brief Solution to Problems
9 Case Studies in Optimum Design
9.0 Learning Outcomes
9.1 Thermodynamic Optimization
9.1.1 Optimal Suction State in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle
9.1.2 Optimization of Multistage Refrigeration Systems
9.1.3 Optimum Inter-stage Temperature for Cascade Refrigeration
9.2 Optimum Design of Components
9.2.1 Finned Surfaces
9.2.2 DX-Chiller
9.2.3 Flooded Chiller
9.2.4 Refrigerant Condenser
9.3 Optimum Design of Thermal Systems
9.3.1 Refrigeration System
9.3.2 Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP)
9.3.3 Liquid Desiccant-Based Air Conditioning System
9.3.4 Solar water heating systems
9.4 Summary
9.5 References
9.6 Problems
9.7 Brief Solution to Problems
10 Dynamic Response of Thermal Systems
10.0 Learning Outcomes
10.1 Dynamics of the First-Order Systems
10.1.1 Linearization
10.1.2 First Order Systems in Series
10.2 Higher Order Systems
10.3 Transportation Lag
10.4 Principle of Superposition
10.5 Control System Analysis
10.5.1 Two Kinds of Control Problems
10.5.2 Developing the Block Diagram
10.5.3 Analyzing Servo Problems
10.5.4 Analyzing Regulator Problems
10.5.5 Proportional Integral (PI) and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) Control
10.5.6 Effect of Measurement Lag
10.5.7 Stability Analysis
10.6 Dynamics of Distributed Systems
10.7 Case study: Dynamic Analysis of a solar water heating system
10.8 Summary
10.9 References
10.10 Problems
10.11 Brief Solution to Problems
11 Additional Considerations in Thermal System Design
11.0 Learning Outcomes
11.1 Erosion – Corrosion
11.2 Vibration and Noise
11.2.1 Vortex Shedding
11.2.2 Turbulence induced vibrations
11.2.3 Fluid Elastic Instability
11.2.4 Acoustic Resonance
11.2.5 Design for minimizing vibrations
11.3 Stochastic Considerations
11.3.1 System Design under Uncertainty
11.4 System Design Considering Part-Load Operation
11.5 System Design for Sustainability
11.6 System Design for Multiple Objectives
11.7 Commercial Software
11.8 Summary
11.9 References
11.10 Problems
11.11 Brief Solution to Problems
Appendix
Scilab Software
1.1 Outline of the Book
2 Mathematical Background
2.0 Learning Outcomes
2.1 Linear Algebraic Equations
2.1.1 Difficulties Encountered in Gaussian Elimination
2.2 Non-linear Algebraic Equations
2.2.1 Warner's Method
2.3 Equation fitting
2.3.1 Generalized Linear Regression
2.3.2 Nonlinear Regression
2.4 Differential Equations
2.4.1 Single-step methods
2.4.2 Multistep methods
2.4.3 Systems of Equations
2.4.4 Boundary Value Problems
2.4.5 Collocation and Least Squares Methods
2.5 Laplace Transformation
2.5.1 Transfer function
2.6 Analysis of Uncertainty
2.7 Engineering Economics
2.7.1 Time Value of Money
2.7.2 Present Worth Analysis
2.7.3 Rate of Return Analysis
2.7.4 Life-Cycle Costing
2.8 Summary
2.9 References
2.10 Problems
2.11 Brief Solution to Problems
3 Review of Fundamentals
3.0 Learning Outcomes
3.1 Thermodynamics
3.1.1 Thermodynamics of Multicomponent Systems
3.1.2 Thermodynamics of Reactive Mixtures
3.1.3 Exergy Analysis
3.2 Fluid Flow
3.2.1 Compressible Flow
3.2.2 Two-phase Flow
3.3 Heat Transfer
3.3.1 Conductive Heat Transfer
3.3.2 Radiative Heat Transfer
3.3.3 Solar Radiation
3.3.4 Convective Heat Transfer
3.4 Mass Transfer
3.4.1 Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer
3.5 Summary
3.6 References
3.7 Problems
3.8 Brief Solution to Problems
4 Modelling of Thermal Equipment
4.0 Learning Outcomes
4.1 Heat Exchangers
4.1.1 Single-Pass Parallel and Counter-Flow Heat Exchangers
4.1.2 Single Pass Cross-Flow Heat Exchanger
4.1.3 Multi-pass Heat Exchangers
4.1.4 Heat Exchangers with Varying Heat-Transfer Coefficients
4.1.5 Pressure Drop
4.1.6 Microchannel Heat Exchangers
4.2 Heat and Mass Exchangers
4.2.1 Cooling and Dehumidifying Coils
4.2.2 Cooling Towers and Spray Washers
4.2.3 Heat and Mass Exchangers Using Desiccants
4.3 Reciprocating Devices
4.3.1 Reciprocating Compressor
4.3.2 IC Engine
4.4 Rotating Devices
4.4.1 Centrifugal Compressors
4.4.2 Scroll Compressors
4.5 Thermoelectric modules
4.6 Solar collectors and Solar PV systems
4.7 Other Applications
4.7.1 Cooling of Electronic Equipment
4.7.2 Thermal Processing of Moving Materials
4.7.3 Temperature Distribution during Welding
4.7.4 Heat and Mass Transfer during Drying of Solids
4.8 Summary
4.9 References
4.10 Problems
4.11 Brief Solution to Problems
5 System Simulation
5.0 Learning Outcomes
5.1 Information Flow Diagram
5.2 Solution Methodology
5.3 Off-Design Performance Prediction
5.4 Summary
5.5 References
5.6 Problems
5.7 Brief Solution to Problems
6 System Simulation - Case Studies
6.0 Learning Outcomes
6.1 Industrial Refrigeration Plant
6.1.1 Component Simulation
6.1.2 System Simulation
6.1.3 Validation
6.2 Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP)
6.2.1 Component Simulation
6.2.2 System Simulation
6.3 Liquid Desiccant-based Air Conditioning System (LDAC)
6.3.1 Component Simulation
6.3.2 System Simulation
6.4 Solar Thermal Systems
6.5 Solar PV Systems
6.6 Epilogue
6.7 Summary
6.8 References
6.9 Problems
6.10 Brief Solution to Problems
7 Introduction to Optimum Design
7.0 Learning Outcomes
7.1 General Formulation of an Optimum System Design Problem
7.2 Optimum Design of a Component
7.3 Epilogue
7.4 Summary
7.5 References
7.6 Problems
7.7 Brief Solution to Problems
8 Optimization Techniques
8.0 Learning Outcomes
8.1 Analytical Methods
8.1.1 Constrained Optimization
8.1.2 Geometric Programming
8.1.3 Calculus of Variations (COV)
8.1.4 Pontryagin's Maximum Principle
8.1.5 Discrete Maximum Principle
8.2 Numerical Methods
8.2.1 Single Variable Functions
8.2.2 Multivariable Functions
8.2.3 Mixed Discrete-Continuous Variables
8.2.4 Genetic Algorithms (GA)
8.2.5 Hooke-Jeeves Method
8.2.6 Nelder-Mead Method
8.3 Summary
8.4 References
8.5 Problems
8.6 Brief Solution to Problems
9 Case Studies in Optimum Design
9.0 Learning Outcomes
9.1 Thermodynamic Optimization
9.1.1 Optimal Suction State in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle
9.1.2 Optimization of Multistage Refrigeration Systems
9.1.3 Optimum Inter-stage Temperature for Cascade Refrigeration
9.2 Optimum Design of Components
9.2.1 Finned Surfaces
9.2.2 DX-Chiller
9.2.3 Flooded Chiller
9.2.4 Refrigerant Condenser
9.3 Optimum Design of Thermal Systems
9.3.1 Refrigeration System
9.3.2 Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP)
9.3.3 Liquid Desiccant-Based Air Conditioning System
9.3.4 Solar water heating systems
9.4 Summary
9.5 References
9.6 Problems
9.7 Brief Solution to Problems
10 Dynamic Response of Thermal Systems
10.0 Learning Outcomes
10.1 Dynamics of the First-Order Systems
10.1.1 Linearization
10.1.2 First Order Systems in Series
10.2 Higher Order Systems
10.3 Transportation Lag
10.4 Principle of Superposition
10.5 Control System Analysis
10.5.1 Two Kinds of Control Problems
10.5.2 Developing the Block Diagram
10.5.3 Analyzing Servo Problems
10.5.4 Analyzing Regulator Problems
10.5.5 Proportional Integral (PI) and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) Control
10.5.6 Effect of Measurement Lag
10.5.7 Stability Analysis
10.6 Dynamics of Distributed Systems
10.7 Case study: Dynamic Analysis of a solar water heating system
10.8 Summary
10.9 References
10.10 Problems
10.11 Brief Solution to Problems
11 Additional Considerations in Thermal System Design
11.0 Learning Outcomes
11.1 Erosion – Corrosion
11.2 Vibration and Noise
11.2.1 Vortex Shedding
11.2.2 Turbulence induced vibrations
11.2.3 Fluid Elastic Instability
11.2.4 Acoustic Resonance
11.2.5 Design for minimizing vibrations
11.3 Stochastic Considerations
11.3.1 System Design under Uncertainty
11.4 System Design Considering Part-Load Operation
11.5 System Design for Sustainability
11.6 System Design for Multiple Objectives
11.7 Commercial Software
11.8 Summary
11.9 References
11.10 Problems
11.11 Brief Solution to Problems
Appendix
Scilab Software
- Edition: 2
- Latest edition
- Published: November 1, 2026
- Language: English
PD
P.L. Dhar
P L Dhar taught in the mechanical engineering department of IIT Delhi for over thirty six years. His research focused on Thermal System Simulation and Design, spanning a wide range from refrigeration to thermal power plant systems. Based on this work, he developed a post graduate course with the same title and taught it for over two decades. Besides this, he also taught thermodynamics, refrigeration and air-conditioning, heat and mass transfer to undergraduate and post graduate students.
Affiliations and expertise
Former Professor, IIT Delhi, IndiaST
Sridhar Thyageswaran
Sridhar Thyageswaran developed and taught several graduate-level courses in thermal sciences for mechanical engineering students at Coimbatore Institute of Technology in India, for nearly twenty-one years. His specialization and interests lie in the areas of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics. He graduated with honours from the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi and later received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Armour College of Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology. He has authored several single-author technical papers in reputed peer-reviewed international journals and conferences. Prior to serving in academia, he worked as a Principal Engineer with Parametric Technology R&D (India) for seven years, in areas related to computer-aided design. His roles there involved the development of complex mathematical software algorithms for the creation of spline curves and spline surfaces used in geometric modelling.