Basic devices of thermodynamics

Below is a list of basic devices in thermodynamics for which you should know basically what they are and what they do. Remember that if a device is just a pipe with no moving parts, the power is zero.

Basically just pipes for the substance to flow through:

For the following devices, pressure change of the substance is essential. So they are never approximated as isobaric. But they are often approximated as adiabatic (insulated).

Throttle
Constriction in a pipe to decrease pressure.
Valve
Same as throttle.
Diffuser
Convert the kinetic energy of the substance into pressure by changing cross sectional area.
Nozzle
Convert pressure into kinetic energy or measure flow rate by changing cross sectional area.

Basically just pipes for the substance to flow through:

For the below devices, heat transfer is the primary purpose. So they are never approximated as adiabatic. But often the pressure changes accross the device are ignored to first approximation.

Heat exchanger
Generic term.
Boiler
Heat is used to turn the liquid substance into vapor.
Evaporator
Boiler.
Steam generator
Boiler.
Heater
Generic term.
Condenser
Heat is removed from the vapor to make it condense.
Combustor
Thermal heat is added to the substance by burning it.

Branching pipes (e.g. Y shaped):

Mixing chamber
Two or more streams of substance flow in, to be combined into a single output stream. Often approximated as isobaric and/or adiabatic.

Flow devices containing moving components for work out:

Turbine
Produces mechanical work from an incoming high-pressure stream. Often approximated as adiabatic.
Expander
Term often used for turbines with nontrivial heat transfer.

Flow devices containing moving components for work in:

Compressor
Turns mechanical work into a pressure increase of the substance. Often approximated as adiabatic.
Pump
Compressor for liquids. Often approximated as adiabatic.
Fan
Turns mechanical work into motion of the substance.
Blower
Fan.

Composite devices that produce work:

The following device in its simplest form circulates the substance around.

Heat engine
Turns thermal energy into mechanical work. (Note that your car engine takes in fresh air for each cycle, because it needs new oxygen to burn the fuel.)

Composite devices that use work to move heat around:

The following devices in their simplest form circulate the substance around.

Heat pump
Uses mechanical work to move heat from cold to hot. This term is usually used if you are interested in the heat addition to the hot side, like to your house in winter.
Refrigerator
Heat pump for which you are interested in the removal of heat from the cold side (your milk).
A/C
Heat pump for which you are interested in the removal of heat from the cold side, typically a house or building.