The second part of Question 4 asked if new methods may improve the understanding of the control issue. The usefulness of a new method is demonstrated in the concluding chapters of this thesis. My sense is that the development of energy systems methodologies proceeds from a thermodynamic machine metaphor. I have two reasons for making this assumption. The first reason involves the picture presented by the reference energy system.
Every task required for the conversion of energy into useful energy is described in detail.
The duty of each participant in the system is to align his part with the whole. The method of alignment is proposed by the energy systems professionals. Other human activities are considered to be outside the parameters of the technical energy system, i.e. to be an aspect of the environment. The values and beliefs of the participants are not taken into account. My second reason for believing that the thermodynamic machine metaphor is implicit has to do with language.