30 - Minimum entropy production

Abstract

This chapter explains that the linear steady state is a state of minimum entropy production. This represents the most general result of the theory of steady-state thermodynamics. First it discusses the rate of entropy production in general case followed by the rate of entropy production in the linear steady state. As the steady state is approached the contribution to the rate of entropy production because of the time changes of the fluxes and the contribution because of the driving forces approach equality. It is concluded that the time rate of change of the entropy production decreases as the system approaches the steady state, until a minimum is reached in that state. The equality holds whenever the steady state has been attained. The linear steady state is thus a state of minimum entropy production.