Teaching Cycle Optimization In Introductory Thermodynamics Courses

In our competitive economic market, design optimization is crucial. In the area of thermodynamics, optimization is becoming more and more important as consumers and the government become increasingly concerned with energy usage and operating cost. Unfortunately, most students in the thermal sciences are taught little about optimization of thermal cycles and devices. In thermodynamics courses, students are typically given simple thermal cycles to analyze to introduce them to both the cycles and thermodynamic principles. In some curricula cycle design and optimization are not included at all, whereas in others these topics are included only in elective courses in thermal system design. A few schools include the topics in courses required of all mechanical engineering students. As a result, many students may never be involved in either cycle design or optimization. For those who do take an advanced course covering these topics, an early introduction will make the transition from purely analysis to design easier. Thus, thermodynamic cycle design and optimization should be introduced as soon as possible. This paper discusses design projects that allow these topics to be included in already crowded introductory thermodynamics courses.