The third mode is intended for master's students or engineering school students who are familiar with theoretical developments. It differs from the previous modes in three important ways:

Disciplinary presentation: These students are used to a “Cartesian”, discipline‑based presentation of their courses. There is no reason not to start by presenting all the theory before moving on to applications, in line with their pedagogical expectations. However, the CFRP approach can also be used.

Powerful mathematical tools: Since using entropy poses no difficulty for them, entropy‑based diagrams (T,s) or Mollier (h,s) charts, as well as exergy and exergy balances, can be introduced very quickly. These powerful tools provide a rigorous basis for cycle optimization.

Comprehensive resources: Practical exercises use both guided explorations, including those involving Thermoptim's advanced functionalities, and Diapason modules where learners build their own models.

Advanced Thermoptim functionalities: Learners wishing to carry out in‑depth studies of energy systems will find explanations in the methodological guides, in particular on the following topics: Generation of exergy balances using exergy structures, Technological sizing and off‑design operation, Pinch analysis.

Underlying pedagogical principles:

• Systematic construction of rigorous schemata in continuity with prior training

• Use of exergy balances as tools for analysis and optimization

• Development of original and complex models

• Access to advanced functionalities (sizing, off‑design operation, optimization using pinch analysis)

This series of self‑study modules is aimed mainly at learners wishing to follow the third mode.

Since these modules were developed between 2005 and 2015, later digital resources such as self‑assessment activities and guided explorations of models are not integrated into them, but they can very easily be used as a complement.

Most of the modules listed here are based on a three‑step progression, which is detailed in the presentation of the full self‑study module on energy systems. You are encouraged to refer to it if you would like more explanations, as they will not be repeated systematically here.

These three main steps are as follows:

1. acquiring concepts and tools, devoted to thermodynamics pre-requistes, the study of basic cycles, the discovery of the technologies implemented, and learning to use Thermoptim

2. consolidating the concepts covered in the first step, with some theoretical additions, as well as the study of variants of the basic cycles and of combined or other cycles

3. in‑depth study and personal application, involving the study of innovative and/or more complex cycles than the previous ones, as well as reflection on technological prospects, through mini‑projects carried out individually or in groups

All of the resources available on the portal are potentially accessible to users of this mode, depending on their progress in mastering the concepts. Similarly, they may need all versions of Thermoptim, from 2.5 to 2.8, depending on the functionalities required by the activities they undertake.