3. Fundamentals of Energy Conversion

It is often taught in layman’s terms that “energy may be neither created nor destroyed” and this brings into question the meaning of “energy conservation.” Basic principles, such as energy conservation, stem from more general laws of Physics. The principles that govern the exchange and transformations of energy are succinctly examined in this chapter. The governing equations of energy conversion processes, or Laws of Thermodynamics, their corollaries and some of their applications to energy conversion processes are presented. A historical perspective is first given on the origins of modern energy conversion principles. The characteristics, significant variables/properties and types of Thermodynamic Systems are briefly explained. The two fundamental Laws of Thermodynamics (first and second) are postulated and the implications on the energy conversion processes are given succinctly. The operation of the simple gas and vapor power cycles is elucidated as well as several processes that are commonly used for the improvement of these cycles. Finally, the concept of exergy is introduced quantitatively and in detail. Based on exergy, several ways are presented on how this concept may be used to improve thermodynamic processes and cycles.