Thermal Energy Systems

Steven G. Penoncello earned his BS and MS in mechanical engineering from theUniversity of North Dakota in 1978 and 1980, respectively. He earned his PhD in mechanicalengineering from the University of Idaho in 1986. He has been a registered professionalengineer in mechanical engineering in the state of Idaho since 1993.Dr. Penoncello has held academic positions at the University of North Dakota (instructorfrom 1980–1983, assistant professor from 1986–1988, and associate professor from 1988–1990), and the University of Idaho (visiting assistant professor from 1985–1986, associateprofessor from 1990–1995, professor from 1995–2015, and professor emeritus since 2015).He has also served in administrative positions at the University of Idaho (MechanicalEngineering Department Chair from 1995–1999, Associate Dean for Research andGraduate Studies in the College of Engineering from 1999–2005, and Director of the Centerfor Applied Thermodynamic Studies [CATS] from 2005–2015).Dr. Penoncello has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in thermodynamics, heattransfer, fluid mechanics, air conditioning, solar engineering, refrigeration engineering,internal combustion engines, energy technology, and thermal energy systems design. Hisresearch involves the development of standard reference quality formulations for the calculationof the thermophysical properties of fluids and fluid mixtures of scientific andengineering interest.Dr. Penoncello has been an active member of the American Society of MechanicalEngineers (ASME) since 1978. He became a Life Member of the ASME in 2015. He hasserved as a member of the K-7 Committee on Thermophysical Properties in the HeatTransfer Division of the ASME from 1988–2013. He has also served as a mechanical engineeringprogram evaluator for the Accreditation Board on Engineering and Technology(ABET), representing the ASME from 1999–2012.Dr. Penoncello’s background in thermal energy systems design and analysis started duringhis master’s research at the University of North Dakota. His master’s thesis topic wasthe analytical modeling and experimental verification of an innovative heat pump systemdesigned for cold climates. This work took a full system approach and involved the simultaneousapplication of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.In 1991, the faculty of the University of Idaho Department of Mechanical Engineeringundertook the task to critically evaluate and update their undergraduate curriculum.During this process, a conscious decision was made to revise the curriculum to allow theundergraduate students to have a significant design experience in several areas of the disciplineincluding solid mechanics and thermal sciences. This process resulted in severalnew design-based courses including the senior capstone design experience (two courses),an updated machine design course, and a new course in thermal energy systems design.Dr. Penoncello took the lead in the development of the thermal energy systems designcourse. This book represents a collection of the topics that he has taught in his course since1992.Dr. Penoncello has coauthored one book, two book chapters, and over 35 technical papers in the area of thermophysical properties.

• Introduction to Thermal Energy Design. Economics of Thermal Energy Systems. Review of Fluid and Thermal Concepts Found in Thermal Energy Systems. Properties of Working Fluids in Thermal Energy Systems. Analysis of Thermal Energy Systems. Fluid Transport in Thermal Energy Systems. Energy Transport in Thermal Energy Systems. Optimization of Thermal Energy Systems. Appendix. Index.