Explore every episode of the podcast Fired Up: The TSSA Study Podcast

Coefficient of performance (COP), heat loads, and efficiency assessments in refrigeration systems

Isentropic and polytropic expansion, and conduction/convection/radiation heat transfer

Gas law applications, ideal gas behavior, and thermodynamic property relationships

Energy balances in turbines, compressors, nozzles, and heat exchangers

Steam properties, isentropic processes, and enthalpy/entropy analysis

Power cycle fundamentals, efficiency calculations, and applications in power generation

Heat load, coefficient of performance (COP), and energy balance methods

System interlocks, refrigerant safety, pressure controls, and maintenance

Components of vapor compression systems and their function in industrial settings

Compressor types, applications, interstage cooling, and system design

Fuses, breakers, relays, and safety protocols in plant electrical systems

Step-up/down transformer operation, core types, cooling, and protection

Induction and synchronous motors, torque-speed curves, and starting methods

Synchronous generator design, excitation systems, and grid connections

DC motor/generator construction, operation, and control

AC principles, sine waves, impedance, power factor, and system behavior

Scrubbers, precipitators, NOx control, and carbon reduction techniques

Emission monitoring, stack sampling, and regulatory compliance tools

Flame detection, safety interlocks, and automatic shutoff mechanisms

Burners, draft fans, ID/FD fans, and air control systems

Combustion efficiency, stoichiometry, and air/fuel ratio calculations

Pneumatic, electronic, and digital instrumentation control loops

Sensors, transmitters, indicators, and final control elements

Steam cycle integration, condensate return, and water flow management

Fuel types, handling systems, and combustion fundamentals in power plants

Reading engineering drawings, symbols, and interpreting technical schematics

Pipe layout, thermal expansion, vibration control, and support strategies

Oil types, lubrication methods, system layout, and failure prevention

Control systems, performance tuning, and operating conditions

Construction, combustion chambers, and support systems in gas turbines

Diesel/gas engine cycles, startup/shutdown procedures, and common issues

Cylinder components, fuel systems, cooling systems, and auxiliary equipment

Surface and jet condensers, vacuum systems, and efficiency considerations

Startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance practices

Governing systems, lubrication, and support equipment for turbine operation

Thermodynamic principles, construction features, and classifications of steam turbines

Cooling towers, condensate polishing, and wastewater management systems

Chemical treatment programs, blowdown control, and scale/corrosion prevention

Advanced water conditioning processes, demineralization, and deaeration

Filtration, softening, and basic pre-treatment processes for boilers

Key water quality parameters, testing methods, and treatment programs

Boiler feedwater pumps, circulation pumps, design, and troubleshooting

Inspection methods, preventative maintenance strategies, and common failure points

Startup, operation, shutdown procedures, and operational challenges

HRSGs, high-efficiency boilers, and non-standard boiler designs

Boiler construction, heat transfer surfaces, and design considerations

Welding standards, symbol interpretation, and blueprint reading for power engineers

Types of corrosion, prevention methods, and material selection for longevity

Destructive and non-destructive testing methods for industrial use

Material properties, heat treatment, and metal applications in plant operations