Thermodynamics is a discipline most concerned with the transformation of energy; and yet, as energy systems are rapidly changing, decarbonizing to adapt to our changing climate, thermodynamics textbooks do not reflect these changes. Instead, texts reflect the field through the lens of its original development: turning fossil fuel chemical energy into heat and then mechanical work. This textbook serves as a compilation of sustainability-related content to supplement traditional undergraduate thermodynamics curricula. It shows how the traditional laws and concepts can be used to understand climate change and applied to new, rapidly developing areas including solar power, heat pumps, fuel cells, carbon dioxide removal, and energy storage techniques.
• Follows the sequence of typical thermodynamics texts but updates the curriculum with new applications to industry.
• Incorporates new ABET student outcomes that require contextual learning and incorporation of issues like sustainability.
• Starts each section with a brief overview of theory and common historical applications but presented in the context of climate change.
• Features example problems focusing on greener technologies including information on that technology’s potential social and environmental impacts.
• Includes practical case studies.
This text offers a modern update on a classic subject and helps chemical engineering faculty and students engage with how an understanding of thermodynamics can be used to help solve technical, social, and environmental challenges caused by climate change.