Page 23 - Handbook of Energy Engineering Calculations

variety of applied energy engineering problems.
Another important point that should be noted about the calculation
procedures presented in this handbook is that many of the calculation
procedures are equally applicable in a variety of disciplines. Thus, a pump
selection procedure can be used for energy-, civil-, mechanical-, chemical-,

electrical-, and nuclear-engineering activities, as well as some others. Hence,
the user might consider a temporary neutrality for his or her particular energy
engineering specialty when using the handbook because the calculation

procedures are designed for universal use.
Any of the energy engineering procedures herein can be programmed on a
laptop or desktop computer. Such programming permits rapid solution of a
variety of energy engineering design and operating problems. The fast,
modern computing equipment available today provides greater speed and

accuracy for nearly all complex energy engineering problems in today’s
complex world of energy control and use.

SI Usage. The technical and scientific community throughout the world
accepts the SI (System International) for use in both applied and theoretical

calculations. With such widespread acceptance of SI, every engineer must
become proficient in the use of this system of units if he or she is to remain
up-to-date. For this reason, every calculation procedure in this handbook is
given in both the United States Customary System (USCS) and SI. This will

help all engineers become proficient in using both systems of units. In this
handbook the USCS unit is generally given first, followed by the SI value in
parentheses or brackets. Thus, if the USCS unit is 10 ft, it will be expressed
as 10 ft (3 m).

Engineers accustomed to working in USCS are often timid about using SI.
There really aren’t any sound reasons for these fears. SI is a logical, easily
understood, and readily manipulated group of units. Most engineers grow to
prefer SI, once they become familiar with it and overcome their fears. This

handbook should do much to “convert” USCS-user engineers to SI because it
presents all calculation procedures in both the known and unknown units.
Overseas engineers who must work in USCS because they have a job
requiring its usage will find the dual-unit presentation of calculation

procedures most helpful. Knowing SI, they can easily convert to USCS
because all procedures, tables, and illustrations are presented in dual units.