sourcesthermal

Sourcesthermal is a term used in energy modeling and thermodynamics to denote the available thermal energy associated with a particular heat source within a closed system or process. It is typically distinguished from the environmental or sink temperature and from the useful output after losses. In modeling terms, sourcesthermal is characterized by a time-dependent power input, P_th(t), and, when integrated over a period, the total extractable thermal energy, Q_th,source. The concept is often parameterized by source temperature, heat transfer coefficients, flow rates, and the thermophysical properties of the source medium.

Uses and interpretation: Sourcesthermal serves as an input to system energy balances and optimization routines, enabling comparisons of different heat sources (fossil, solar, geothermal, nuclear) under identical load profiles. It also helps separate source-side limitations from conversion efficiency by focusing on the raw thermal energy available before losses.

Limitations and note: Sourcesthermal is not a universally standardized term; its exact meaning can vary by model. It does not by itself specify technical feasibility, controllability, or exergy; those aspects require additional parameters. In practice, sourcesthermal is often used descriptively to discuss potential and planning, rather than as a precise engineering specification.

Origin and usage: The term appears as a shorthand in some energy-system modeling discussions and tutorials, drawing from the combination of "source" and "thermal." It is not widely adopted as a formal standard in peer-reviewed literature.