An Update of the Virtual Energy Laboratory

The Virtual Energy Lab (VEL) is a PC based didactic tool for use in conjunction with courses on technical thermodynamics and thermal system design. The tool can also be used for conceptual design of large-scale systems incorporating cogeneration schemes of varied types. The user can learn how to combine conventional thermal systems in creative ways to enhance exergetic efficiency. In the present work, we describe upgrades to this tool, and we present several examples to show the possibilities of energy cascading. The features of ease of learning, user ability to specify important parameters and ready targeting of conceptual designs were preserved in the updated version.