Optimizing the process of converting heat into mechanical power is a major challenge when it comes to meeting targets for protecting primary energy resources and minimizing our environmental impact. For many years to come, the use of thermal engines will continue to be necessary for transportation on land, by sea and by air, as well as for many industrial applications.

Against this background, Thermodynamics of Heat Engines aims to present a comprehensive overview of the thermodynamic concepts, including combustion, that are necessary for understanding the phenomena governing the energy efficiency of internal and external combustion engines as well as that of gas turbines and jet propulsion engines.

Existing and developing industrial applications, based on combined heat and power (CHP) or the use of staged cycles, are presented, with particular attention paid to the recovery of low temperature waste heat.

This book, which is mainly intended for university and engineering students but is also useful for engineers and technicians working in the fields concerned, provides a basis for reflection on the optimization of energy systems.