Energy Foundations

Units, conversion and thermodynamics. Energy vs power, units and conversion chains, the laws of thermodynamics and power cycles that limit every energy system.

• Energy Fundamentals: Resources, Units & Conversion — The big picture of energy. Learn energy vs power, units and conversions (J, kWh, toe, BTU, kcal), primary, secondary and final energy, the global and Indian energy mix, conversion chains and efficiencies, the laws of thermodynamics as limits, energy density of fuels and batteries, capacity factor, and the energy transition — with Python converting fuels and tracing primary energy behind household electricity.
• Laws of Thermodynamics — The zeroth, first, second and third laws define temperature, energy conservation, the direction of processes and absolute zero. Learn energy balances for closed and open (steady-flow) systems and what the second law forbids.
• Thermodynamic Cycles — Ideal cycles model real engines and power plants. Learn the Otto (petrol), Diesel, Brayton (gas turbine) and Rankine (steam) cycles, their P–v behaviour, efficiency formulas and the design levers that improve them.