A Novel Approach to the Teaching of Etropy Based on a Recent Single Particle Heat Engine Model

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John Reizes
Keyword(s):  
Single Particle ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Piston Engine ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Engine Model ◽  
Mechanics Model ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Novel Approach

In a recently developed simple particle mechanics model in which a single particle represents the working fluid (gas) in a heat engine (exemplified by a piston engine) a new approach was outlined for the teaching of concepts to thermodynamic students. By mechanics reasoning a model was developed that demonstrates the connection between the Carnot efficiency limitation of heat engines and the Kelvin-Planck statement of Second Law requiring only the truth of the Clausius statement. In this paper the model is extended to introduce entropy. Here the particle's entropy is defined as a function of its kinetic energy and the space that it occupies that is analogous to that normally found in classical macroscopic analyses.

Thermodynamics From a Few Dynamic Particles Raises Questions as to How Temperature and Entropy Should Be Perceived and Defined

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John Reizes
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Single Particle ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Piston Engine ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Particle Mechanics ◽  
Mechanics Model ◽  
Heat Engines

In a recently developed simple particle mechanics model, in which a single particle represents the working fluid, (gas) in a heat engine, (exemplified by a piston engine) a new approach was outlined for the teaching of concepts to thermodynamic students. By mechanics reasoning, a model was developed that demonstrates the connection between the Carnot efficiency limitation of heat engines, and the Kelvin-Planck statement of Second Law, requiring only the truth of the Clausius statement. In a second paper the model was extended to introduce entropy. The particle’s entropy was defined as a function of its kinetic energy, and the space that it occupies, that is analogous to that normally found in classical macroscopic analyses. In this paper, questions are raised and addressed: How should temperature and entropy be perceived and defined? Should temperature be proportional to average (molecular) translational kinetic energy and should entropy be dimensionless?

A Novel Approach to the Teaching of Thermodynamic Cycles and the Laws of Thermodynamics

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John Reizes
Keyword(s):  
Single Particle ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Piston Engine ◽  
Particle Mechanics ◽  
Thermodynamic Cycles ◽  
Mechanics Model ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Laws Of Thermodynamics

This paper outlines a simple particle mechanics model in which a single particle represents the thermodynamic fluid (gas) in a heat engine (exemplified by a piston engine). By mechanics based reasoning the model demonstrates the connection between the Carnot efficiency limitation of heat engines and the Kelvin-Planck statement of Second Law requiring only the truth of the Clausius statement.

scholarly journals Optimization, Stability, and Entropy in Endoreversible Heat Engines

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1323
Author(s):  
Julian Gonzalez-Ayala ◽  
José Miguel Mateos Roco ◽  
Alejandro Medina ◽  
Antonio Calvo Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Stationary State ◽  
Entropy Generation ◽  
Pareto Front ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Engine Model ◽  
Heat Engines

The stability of endoreversible heat engines has been extensively studied in the literature. In this paper, an alternative dynamic equations system was obtained by using restitution forces that bring the system back to the stationary state. The departing point is the assumption that the system has a stationary fixed point, along with a Taylor expansion in the first order of the input/output heat fluxes, without further specifications regarding the properties of the working fluid or the heat device specifications. Specific cases of the Newton and the phenomenological heat transfer laws in a Carnot-like heat engine model were analyzed. It was shown that the evolution of the trajectories toward the stationary state have relevant consequences on the performance of the system. A major role was played by the symmetries/asymmetries of the conductance ratio σhc of the heat transfer law associated with the input/output heat exchanges. Accordingly, three main behaviors were observed: (1) For small σhc values, the thermodynamic trajectories evolved near the endoreversible limit, improving the efficiency and power output values with a decrease in entropy generation; (2) for large σhc values, the thermodynamic trajectories evolved either near the Pareto front or near the endoreversible limit, and in both cases, they improved the efficiency and power values with a decrease in entropy generation; (3) for the symmetric case (σhc=1), the trajectories evolved either with increasing entropy generation tending toward the Pareto front or with a decrease in entropy generation tending toward the endoreversible limit. Moreover, it was shown that the total entropy generation can define a time scale for both the operation cycle time and the relaxation characteristic time.

scholarly journals Action and Entropy in Heat Engines: An Action Revision of the Carnot Cycle

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 860
Author(s):  
Ivan R. Kennedy ◽  
Migdat Hodzic
Keyword(s):  
Heat Engine ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Field Energy ◽  
Carnot Cycle ◽  
Gibbs Potential ◽  
Atmospheric Gases ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Expansion Phase ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
The Difference

Despite the remarkable success of Carnot’s heat engine cycle in founding the discipline of thermodynamics two centuries ago, false viewpoints of his use of the caloric theory in the cycle linger, limiting his legacy. An action revision of the Carnot cycle can correct this, showing that the heat flow powering external mechanical work is compensated internally with configurational changes in the thermodynamic or Gibbs potential of the working fluid, differing in each stage of the cycle quantified by Carnot as caloric. Action (@) is a property of state having the same physical dimensions as angular momentum (mrv = mr2ω). However, this property is scalar rather than vectorial, including a dimensionless phase angle (@ = mr2ωδφ). We have recently confirmed with atmospheric gases that their entropy is a logarithmic function of the relative vibrational, rotational, and translational action ratios with Planck’s quantum of action ħ. The Carnot principle shows that the maximum rate of work (puissance motrice) possible from the reversible cycle is controlled by the difference in temperature of the hot source and the cold sink: the colder the better. This temperature difference between the source and the sink also controls the isothermal variations of the Gibbs potential of the working fluid, which Carnot identified as reversible temperature-dependent but unequal caloric exchanges. Importantly, the engine’s inertia ensures that heat from work performed adiabatically in the expansion phase is all restored to the working fluid during the adiabatic recompression, less the net work performed. This allows both the energy and the thermodynamic potential to return to the same values at the beginning of each cycle, which is a point strongly emphasized by Carnot. Our action revision equates Carnot’s calorique, or the non-sensible heat later described by Clausius as ‘work-heat’, exclusively to negative Gibbs energy (−G) or quantum field energy. This action field complements the sensible energy or vis-viva heat as molecular kinetic motion, and its recognition should have significance for designing more efficient heat engines or better understanding of the heat engine powering the Earth’s climates.

The Role of Internal Irreversibilities in the Performance and Stability of Power Plant Models Working at Maximum ϵ-Ecological Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Valencia-Ortega ◽  
Sergio Levario-Medina ◽  
Marco Antonio Barranco-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Ecological Function ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Engine Model ◽  
Improved Stability ◽  
The Stability

Abstract The proposal of models that account for the irreversibilities within the core engine has been the topic of interest to quantify the useful energy available during its conversion. In this work, we analyze the energetic optimization and stability (local and global) of three power plants, nuclear, combined-cycle, and simple-cycle ones, by means of the Curzon–Ahlborn heat engine model which considers a linear heat transfer law. The internal irreversibilities of the working fluid measured through the r-parameter are associated with the so-called “uncompensated Clausius heat.” In addition, the generalization of the ecological function is used to find operating conditions in three different zones, which allows to carry out a numerical analysis focused on the stability of power plants in each operation zone. We noted that not all power plants reveal stability in all the operation zones when irreversibilities are considered through the r-parameter on real-world power plants. However, an improved stability is shown in the zone limited by the maximum power output and maximum efficiency regimes.

Thermodynamic Processes

2019 ◽  
pp. 132-147
Author(s):  
Robert H. Swendsen
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Second Law Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Carnot Cycle ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Negative Temperatures ◽  
Special Case ◽  
Thermodynamic Processes

This chapter begins by defining terms critical to understanding thermodynamics: reversible, irreversible, and quasi-static. Because heat engines are central to thermodynamic principles, they are described in detail, along with their operation as refrigerators and heat pumps. Various expressions of efficiency for such engines lead to alternative expressions of the second law of thermodynamics. A Carnot cycle is discussed in detail as an example of an idealized heat engine with optimum efficiency. A special case, called negative temperatures, where temperatures actually exceed infinity, provides further insights. In this chapter we will discuss thermodynamic processes, which concern the consequences of thermodynamics for things that happen in the real world.

Performance Optimization and Parametric Analysis of a Class of Solar-Driven Heat Engines

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Houcheng Zhang ◽  
Lanmei Wu ◽  
Guoxing Lin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Heat Loss ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Solar Collector ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Convection Heat ◽  
Combined System ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Internal Irreversibility

A class of solar-driven heat engines is modeled as a combined system consisting of a solar collector and a unified heat engine, in which muti-irreversibilities including not only the finite rate heat transfer and the internal irreversibility, but also radiation-convection heat loss from the solar collector to the ambience are taken into account. The maximum overall efficiency of the system, the optimal operating temperature of the solar collector, the optimal temperatures of the working fluid and the optimal ratio of heat transfer areas are calculated by using numerical calculation method. The influences of radiation-convection heat loss of the collector and internal irreversibility on the cyclic performances of the solar-driven heat engine system are revealed. The results obtained in the present paper are more general than those in literature and the performance characteristics of several solar-driven heat engines such as Carnot, Brayton, Braysson and so on can be directly derived from them.

Modeling of a New Crank-Less Rotary Heat Engine Concept for Solar Power Utilization

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad I. Rashad ◽  
Hend A. Faiad ◽  
Mahmoud Elzouka
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Engine Concept

This paper presents the operating principle of a novel solar rotary crank-less heat engine. The proposed engine concept uses air as working fluid. The reciprocating motion is converted to a rotary motion by the mean of unbalanced mass and Coriolis effect, instead of a crank shaft. This facilitates the engine scaling and provides several degrees of freedom in terms of structure design and configuration. Unlike classical heat engines (i.e. Stirling), the proposed engine can be fixed to the ground which significantly reduce the generation unit cost. Firstly, the engine’s configuration is illustrated. Then, order analysis for the engine is carried out. The combined dynamics and thermal model is developed using ordinary differential equations which are then numerically solved by Simulink™. The resulting engine thermodynamics cycle is described. It incorporates the common thermodynamics processes (isobaric, isothermal, isochoric processes). Finally, the system behavior and performance are analyzed along with studying the effect of various design parameters on operating conditions such as engine speed, output power and efficiency.

Rubber Heat Engines, Analyses and Theory

1979 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Farris
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Heat Engine ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Thermodynamic Behavior ◽  
The Past ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Pressure Steam ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Power Densities

Abstract It has long been known that elastomeric solids could be used as the working “fluid” in engines designed to convert heat into mechanical work. In the past rubber heat engine cycles were not given serious consideration since energy alternatives were not in demand and the majority of the scientific community is unaware of their gas-like thermodynamic behavior. Consequently, past work has dealt with the subject primarily as a novelty or as a demonstrative proof of thermodynamic behavior. This paper provides an idealized mechanical and thermodynamic analysis of the rubber cycle and compares it to an equivalent cycle wherein a gas is the working fluid. Experimental data on a small rubber fiber engine are included which confirms the high power potential of these engines when they are designed using modern elastomeric fibers. These materials have remarkable properties and can respond rapidly to cyclic thermal disturbances. Power densities of roughly one watt/g of rubber have been attained using only a 30°C difference between the heat source and heat sink. Engine speeds well over 1000 rpm have also been attained when atmospheric pressure steam was used as the heat source. The analyses demonstrate that elastomers are ideally suited for energy conversion when only small temperature differences are available.

A New Approach to Understanding Engineering Thermodynamics From Its Molecular Basis

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John A. Reizes
Keyword(s):  
Working Fluid ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
Molecular Behavior ◽  
Modern Engineering ◽  
Prime Concern ◽  
And Performance ◽  
General Physical ◽  
External Combustion

Engineering Thermodynamics is that engineering science in which students learn to analyze dynamic systems involving energy transformations, particularly where some of the energy is in the form of heat. It is well known that people have difficulty in understanding many of the concepts of thermodynamics; in particular, entropy and its consequences. However, even more widely known concepts such as energy and temperature are not simply defined or explained. Why is this lack of understanding and clarity of definition prevalent in this subject? Older engineering thermodynamics textbooks (often containing the words “heat engines” in the title) had a strong emphasis in their early chapters on the general physical details of thermodynamic equipment such as internal and external combustion engines, gas compressors and refrigeration systems. The working fluid in these systems might expand or contract while heat, work and mass might cross the system boundary. The molecular workings within the thermodynamic fluid are not of prime concern to the engineer even though they are to a physicist or chemist. Modern engineering thermodynamics textbooks place great emphasis on mathematical systems designed to analyze the behavior and performance of thermodynamic devices and systems, yet they rarely show, at least early in their presentation, graphical images of the equipment; moreover, they tend to give only passing reference to the molecular behavior of the thermodynamic fluid. This paper presents some teaching strategies for placing a greater emphasis on the physical realities of the equipment in conjunction with the molecular structure of the working fluid in order to facilitate a deeper understanding of thermodynamic performance limitations of equipment.

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