Introduction

This is a set of notes for the ENSP 337 Thermal Energy Management class at Sonoma State University. It will be developed over the course of the semester as a supplemental reading.

In this course, you will develop two skills. One you will learn to pose questions about energy as mathematical estimations. These estimations will help us understand if new technologies or policies can have a positive impact on our energy system. The second important skill is that you will learn to use critical thinking skills in a quantitative energy context. When presented with an argument, you will be able to determine if the argument has clear claims that are supported with evidence. These two skills are complementary. Often, the evidence supporting claims is quantitative and the skills you develop in estimations will help you evaluate the quality of the evidence used to support claims about new energy policies or technologies.

Often, the calculations in this class are used as the basis for an investment by a company or a home-owner. In order for this analysis to be convincing, the details and method of the calculation must be clear. You will learn how to document your calculations so that they are comprehensible to others.

Supplemental Reading

• Hewett, Conceptual Physics

• Masters, EFS

• Pohl, Building Science