Department of Thermal Sciences is an organizational unit of the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, established on January 1, 2020 during reorganization of the structure of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. The Department was established by research divisions belonging to The Department of Thermodynamics, Theory of Machines and Thermal Devices (existed in 2014-2019), which were previously independent research groups belonging to the Institute of Thermal Scieces and Fluid Mechanics (I-20).

Department of Thermal Sciences derives directly from the Department of Theory of Thermal Machines, established in 1947, then still at the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Its founder and first head was prof. Stanisław Ochęduszko, who was changed in 1950 by prof. Wiktor Wiśniowski. The Department of Theory of Thermal Machines existed until 1968, when, as part of the reorganization of the university structure, it became part of the Institute of Hydraulic Machines and Equipment and Industrial Apparatus (I-17) (as the Department of Thermodynamics). In 1972, the Institute of I-17 merged with the Institute of Measurement, Automation and Construction of Thermoenergy Devices (I-20) into a large unit: the Institute of Thermal Sciences and Fluid Mechanics (I-20).

At the Institute I-20, ten departments specialized in various scientific and engineering topics were established. In 1968, the Division of Dust Technology was established (under the leadership of Prof. Mieczysław Teisseyre), the traditions of which are now maintained by the Division of Atmosphere Protection, and which in 2021 changed its name to the Division of Sustainable Energy Technologies. In 1976, the Division of Refrigeration and Cryogenics was established (under the leadership of Prof. Kazimierz Maczek), whose traditions are maintained by the Division of Refrigeration and Heat Pumps. In 1981, the Division of Thermoenergy Metrology was established (under the leadership of Prof. Jerzy Stańda), whose traditions are maintained by the Division of Energy Metering.

After five decades of existence, the Institute of Thermal Sciences and Fluid Mechanics (I-20) was transformed in 2014 into Departments composed of its divisions. The Department of Thermodynamics, Theory of Machines and Thermal Devices was established, headed by prof. Zbigniew Gnutek. It was composed of the Division of Refrigeration and Heat Pumps, the Division of Energy Metering, the Division of Atmosphere Protection and the Division of Thermodynamics. The department existed in this form until 2019. During recent reorganization of the university structure and after the separation of the Division of Thermodynamics, in 2020 the Deparment changed the name to more traditional Department of Thermal Sciences (pol. Katedra Techniki Cieplnej) headed by prof. Zbigniew Królicki. Since 2021, responsibilites of the Head are carried out by prof. Bartosz Zajączkowski.

Below you will find information about the authorities and research divisions at the Department of Thermal Sciences. Find out more about the history, staff, and research and teaching infrastructure here.