Introduction to Energy Technologies for Efficient Power Generation

Alexander V. Dimitrov

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781498796446
• eBook ISBN: 9781351652247
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Energy

This book serves as a guide for discovering pathways to more efficient energy use. The first part of the book illustrates basic laws of energy conversion and principles of thermodynamics. Laws of energy conservation and direction of energy conversion are formulated in detail, and the types of thermodynamic processes are explained. Also included is the characterization of various types of real energy conversion. The second part of the book discusses types of energy conversion referred to as thermal-energy technologies. The advantages of the co-generation processes and devices operating within the Brayton direct cycle and their adaptively to household energetics are underlined.

1

Theoretical Foundations of Energy Conversions and Thermodynamics

1.1 Energy, Energy Conversion, and Generalized Work

1.1.1 Introduction

This book is intended to be introductory for all who attend academic courses on “Organization and management of industrial and transport companies (industrial and transport management),” students at the “electrical” faculties of technical universities (e.g., faculties of energetics, electric power stations, and networks and systems), and those who are “seduced” by the challenges of energy efficiency including energy supervisors of industrial installations and structures (architects, designers, contractors, and investors). The book also addresses curious readers of engineering-technical literature, persons who are directly involved in investments in new energy-related (power) technologies such as contractors, civil servants, bank project supervisors, or simply people who see the topic of energy as an intellectual challenge.

This book introduces basic terms and laws concerning energy conversion from one form into another, yet from an engineering point of view and with a particular focus on transport and industrial applications. As is known from physics, more than 20 processes of energy conversion operate (see Table A.1 in the Appendices), but only four of them have been “commercially” recognized. These are

•Oxidation of chemical substances and compounds (including “controlled oxidation” as in the process of Schonbein/Grove)

•Electromagnetic induction

•Internal ionization (photovoltaic effect)

•Nuclear fission (by splitting large atoms into small)*

Their common characteristic is in that some type of work is done (chemical, mechanical, electrical, or nuclear), conversion of one type of energy into another type of useful energy takes place, and heat is released. Note that heat is an inevitable (desired or not) accompanying product of all energy conversions. Hence, it is worth knowing all details of its generation, conversion, transportation, and usage.

The first part of the book treats basic notions and laws of energy conversion—the principles of thermodynamics. For instance, “ideal gas” and Einstein “ideal solid” are presented as working bodies where energy conversion takes place. Laws of energy conversions and their directions are formulated in detail, and the types of thermodynamic process (TDP) are also explained. The basic requirements to power machines (engines, generators/converters, etc.) are set forth and machine classification from a functional point of view is given. Energy efficiency is also discussed employing the ideal thermal engine of Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot as a standard.

In addition, the first part clarifies the characteristics of various types of real energy conversion. For instance, details concerning a working body where phase conversions take place are outlined, or compressibility of working fluids and...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Acknowledgments
• Author
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• 1. Theoretical Foundations of Energy Conversions and Thermodynamics
• 2. Conversion of Thermal Energy into Mechanical Work (Thermal Engines)
• 3. Thermoelectric and Co-Generation Technologies
• 4. Energy Rehabilitation: Regeneration and Recuperation
• 5. Energy Transfer and Storage
• 6. Energy and Indoor Environment
• Conclusion
• Appendices
• References
• Index