Reading diagrams / Energy systems
Energy-system studies compare storage, conversion and losses within a clearly defined boundary.
Overview
Power is the rate of energy transfer.
Method
Efficiency requires a defined input and output.
Observations
Stored energy and instantaneous power are different quantities.
01. Establishing a reference
Energy-system studies compare storage, conversion and losses within a clearly defined boundary. Efficiency requires a defined input and output. A useful working note records the context and the purpose of the study. Keep the details that explain what was noticed, and distinguish them from ideas that emerged later.
Efficiency requires a defined input and output. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
02. Describing the setup
Stored energy and instantaneous power are different quantities. When revisiting a series of observations, begin with the original context. Record the order of the work and keep the first descriptions alongside any later interpretation.
Stored energy and instantaneous power are different quantities. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
03. Reading the first observation
The next pass through energy systems focuses on comparison. A comparison needs consistent operating conditions. Look for the relationships between the details and retain enough context for another reader to understand the study.
A comparison needs consistent operating conditions. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
record:
topic: energy
reference: stated
conditions: recorded
method: comparison
values: illustrative
interpretation: separate