Law Of Thermodynamics Research Articles

General relativistic stochastic thermodynamics

Based on the recent work [J. Stat. Phys. 190, 193 (2023), J. Stat. Phys. 190, 181 (2023)], we formulate the first law and the second law of stochastic thermodynamics in the framework of general relativity. These laws are established for a charged Brownian particle moving in a heat reservoir and subjecting to an external electromagnetic field in generic stationary spacetime background, and in order to maintain general covariance, they are presented respectively in terms of the divergences of the energy current and the entropy density current. The stability of the equilibrium state is also analyzed.

Analysis of Possible Negative Values for 2nd Law Efficiencies in an Extractive Distillation System

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence of negative values for the second law efficiencies in distillation columns, in order to evaluate the relationship between these efficiencies, energy consumption and remixing effect. Theoretical Framework: This topic presents the main concepts and theories that underpin the research. The thermodynamic concepts related to the first and second laws of thermodynamics are highlighted, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves the simulation of the acetone/methanol system, in Aspen Plus, using two solvents, DMSO and water. The efficiencies of the second law, energy consumption and remixing effect were evaluated for different operational conditions. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that not all operational conditions that present greater thermodynamic efficiency result in lower energy consumption. In addition, heat demand is directly related to lost work. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of thermodynamic evaluation of distillation columns. These implications may include improving the sustainability of distillation processes by identifying and minimizing sources of irreversibilities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by conceptually addressing the interpretation of thermodynamic efficiencies of distillation columns, in addition to providing a detailed analysis of the relationship between efficiency, energy consumption and remixing effect. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by perspectives for the thermodynamic optimization of distillation processes.

Rips and regular future scenario with holographic dark energy: a comprehensive look

Interest on the possible future scenarios the universe could have has grew substantially with breakthroughs on late-time acceleration. Holographic dark energy (HDE) presents a very interesting approach towards addressing late-time acceleration, presenting an intriguing interface of ideas from quantum gravity and cosmology. In this work we present an extensive discussion of possible late-time scenarios, focusing on rips and similar events, in a universe with holographic dark energy. We discuss these events in the realm of the generalized Nojiri–Odintsov cutoff and also for the more primitive holographic cutoffs like Hubble, particle and event horizon cutoffs. We also discuss the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics and various energy conditions in these regimes. Our work points towards the idea that it is not possible to have alternatives of the big rip consistently in the simpler HDE cutoffs, and shows the flexibility of the generalized HDE cutoff as well.

Experimental investigation of inside zigzag pipe collector solar air heaters: energy and exergy analyses

In this study, collectors with two different designs as solar air heaters were examined. Both collectors have equal dimensions and panels with the same features are placed inside. A zigzag strip is placed within the cavities of the collec-tor I panel. The inside of the cavities of the collector II panel is left empty. The thermal efficiency of the panel was observed by providing air flow from the bottom of both collectors. A good design is essential for an efficient collector. As a result of the studies carried out, according to the second law of thermodynamics, the efficiency of collector I, which has a zigzag inside the panel, is between 20.2% and 38.8%, whereas the efficiency of collector II, which is hollow inside the panel, varies between 17% and 32.2%.

Analogy to help learn and understand the second law of thermodynamics, entropy, entropy generation, irreversibility, and power cycles

Teaching and learning Thermodynamics have challenges. Energy and the First Law as the Energy Conservation Principle are usually well accepted. This is not the case with the Second Law, entropy, entropy generation, and the consequences of the Second Law. Analogies can be used to help learn and understand the Second Law of Thermodynamics, entropy, entropy generation, irreversibility, and power cycles. The present work proposes a Thermodynamics-Economics analogy. The analog of heat transfer (flowing in the decreasing temperature direction, driven by a temperature difference) is the traded merchandise transfer (flowing in the increasing unit price direction) in normal trading operations. Developments start with the economic analog of Clausius inequality. The analog of entropy is the merchandise financial value, and the analog of the entropy generation is the financial value generation. Irreversibility is associated with entropy generation, and economic irreversibility is related to economic entropy (financial value) generation. The reversible and irreversible power cycles also have their economic analogs. The irreversibility associated with heat transfer through a finite temperature difference also has its economic analog. The economic Second Law developments are more familiar to students and more easily understandable, which can help them learn the Second Law of Thermodynamics and its implications.

Systematically Challenging Three Prevailing Notions About Entropy and Life

This article reveals the original, fundamental, and uncontroversial nature of entropy and systematically challenges three notions prevailing in diverse disciplines: (1) entropy is a measure of disorder; (2) life relies on negative entropy; (3) many systems tend to become increasingly disordered due to the second law of thermodynamics. The challenge is supported by numerous compelling facts and the modern explanation of the second law of thermodynamics. The challenge, if widely accepted, could facilitate the eradication of the entrenched misleading effects of the three misconceptions in diverse disciplines and facilitate relevant research and education on complexity, entropy, disorder, order, evolution, life, and thermodynamics.

Stochastic force generation in an isometric binary mechanical system.

Accurate models of muscle contraction are necessary for understanding muscle performance and the molecular modifications that enhance it (e.g., therapeutics, posttranslational modifications, etc.). As a thermal system containing millions of randomly fluctuating atoms that on the thermal scale of a muscle fiber generate unidirectional force and power output, muscle mechanics are constrained by the laws of thermodynamics. According to a thermodynamic muscle model, muscle's power stroke occurs with the shortening of an entropic spring consisting of an ensemble of force-generating myosin motor switches, each induced by actin binding and gated by inorganic phosphate release. This model differs fundamentally from conventional molecular power stroke models that assign springs to myosin motors in that it is physically impossible to describe an entropic spring in terms of the springs of its molecular constituents. A simple two-state thermodynamic model (a binary mechanical system) accurately accounts for muscle force-velocity relationships, force transients following rapid mechanical and chemical perturbations, and a thermodynamic work loop. Because this model transforms our understanding of muscle contraction, it must continue to be tested. Here, we show that a simple stochastic kinetic simulation of isometric muscle force predicts four phases of a force-generating loop that bifurcates between periodic and stochastic beating through mechanisms framed by two thermodynamic equations. We compare these model predictions with experimental data including observations of spontaneous oscillatory contractions (SPOCs) in muscles and periodic force generation in small myosin ensembles.

Comparative Assessment of Chloride Family Hydrogen Production Cycles Driven by a Nuclear-Geothermal Energy System

In this present study, a nuclear geothermal hybrid system is designed and integrated three different chloride family hydrogen production cycles: cobalt-chloride, 3-step magnesium-chloride, and 4-step magnesium-chloride cycles. This study aims to investigate the integrated systems with the energy and exergy approaches employing the first and second laws of thermodynamics and compare the hydrogen production potentials of the cycles. The produced heat and electricity by nuclear geothermal hybrid system are employed in the hydrogen production cycles, remained heat and electricity are sent to the community for domestic usage. The nuclear geothermal hybrid system produces 1205.40 MW of heat and 578.56 MW of electricity. The hydrogen production amounts of the Co-Cl, 3- and 4-step Mg-Cl cycles are calculated as 0.27 kg/s, 1.09 kg/s and 0.97 kg/s, respectively. Consequently, the highest overall energy and exergy efficiencies are calculated to be 65.05% and 88.27% for the Co-Cl cycle driven by heat only. The integrated nuclear-geothermal hybrid also produces power as a useful output.

High thermal energy storage of the two-dimensional Al2Te3 semiconductor: DFT study of stability, electronic, phonon, thermal, and optical properties based on GGA and HSE06

The present study investigates the structural, electronic, thermal, and optical properties of a novel two-dimensional Al2Te3 using GGA and HSE06 functional in the framework of density functional theory. The formation energy, the phonon dispersion, and AIMD calculations confirm the structural, dynamical, and thermal stability of Al2Te3, respectively. The electronic band structure and partial density of states indicate the semiconducting characteristics of 2D Al2Te3 with band gap values of 1.92 eV (GGA) and 2.78 eV (HSE06). The thermal properties of Al2Te3 reveal a high heat capacity due to a very high phonon density of states. This property signifies the material's growing ability to store thermal energy. Thus the entropy demonstrates a continuous increase with temperature, adhering to the second law of thermodynamics. The analysis of optical properties of Al2Te3 demonstrates strong light interaction in the ultraviolet, UV, region, and the optical band gap is found to be larger than the electronic band gap for both GGA and HSE06 functional due to indirect behavior of the band gap. Furthermore, the static dielectric function, refractive index, and optical conductivity are found to be smaller in the case of HSE06 compared to the GGA which may be due to reduced transition probability, and less screening effects including in the HSE06 functional. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential applications of Al2Te3 in various fields, including thermal energy storage and optoelectronics.

Expanding the horizons of thermoeconomics: Insights from the School of Zaragoza

The article discusses the future developments of thermoeconomics, focusing on the current works of the School of Zaragoza, which integrates the Second Law of Thermodynamics with economics to assess the physical origin of costs, focusing on process irreversibility. Traditionally used in energy systems, the authors argue that thermoeconomics should expand to chemical, geological, and economic sectors. Key concepts from the Zaragoza School include Thanatia, a hypothetical state representing Earth’s mineral depletion, used to measure resource depletion costs; Thermodynamic Rarity, highlighting the loss of Earth’s mineral capital; Pristinia, for evaluating deviations from an ideal fertile crust; and Circular Thermoeconomics, based on the idea of waste as external irreversibility, promoting a circular economy to minimize waste. They also introduce Relative Free Energy, a new thermodynamic function that improves thermal system diagnostics. The authors suggest that thermoeconomics could align economic activities with environmental realities by using physical metrics like exergy to evaluate resource consumption, leading to a sustainable economic model incorporating environmental costs. The paper advocates for broader application and further research in thermoeconomics to manage the true cost of human activities.

The generalized second law formulated from the variable equation of state parameter

The generalized second law of thermodynamics (GSLT) is examined in the current work in the backdrop of Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe. A digression from the standard Bekenstein–Hawking entropy formulation is considered. Two different modified forms of the entropy functions are studied. For the matter component, five well-known parameterizations of the equation of state parameter are taken into consideration. The diagrammatic representations of the rate of change of the entropy functions in the different models are presented. The outcomes suggest that the GSLT is valid in these models for certain choices of the parameters involved.

Thermodynamics of Modified Chaplygin-Jacobi Gas and Modified Chaplygin-Abel Gas: Stability Analysis and Observational Constraints

This paper explores the thermodynamic properties and stability of two newly introduced gas models, namely the Modified Chaplygin-Jacobi gas and the Modified Chaplygin-Abel gas. To achieve this, we examine the behavior of relevant physical parameters to gain in depth information about the evolution of the universe. The specific heat formalism is employed to verify the applicability of the third law of thermodynamics. Furthermore, the equation of state for the thermal system is obtained by applying thermodynamic variables. The stability of the gas models is investigated within the framework of classical thermodynamics, focusing on adiabatic processes, specific heat capacities, and isothermal conditions. It is inferred that the proposed fluid configurations exhibit thermodynamic stability and undergo adiabatic expansion for suitable parameter choices. We then perform observational analysis using CC+BAO and Pantheon+SH0ES datasets to impose constraints on our model parameters using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) process.

Analysis of initial singularity admitting viable bounce models

This article examines the cosmic evolution in the framework of symmetric teleparallel theory, characterized by the function of non-metricity scalar (Q). We use the e-folding number and reconstruction method with a suitable parametrization of the scale factor to obtain the functional form of symmetric teleparallel theory. Using this reconstructed model, we examine the behavior of different cosmographic parameters to demonstrate the bouncing scenarios of the cosmos by considering the contraction and expansion phases of cosmos before and after the bouncing point, respectively. It is found that the null energy condition is violated which shows that the singularity issue can be resolved in this extended theoretical framework. Moreover, we observe that the acceleration occurs near the bouncing point and the reconstructed model aligns with the current cosmic expansion. Finally, we check the validity of second law of thermodynamics in the bouncing framework of our model.

Extended uncertainty principle and equation of state for dark energy

The modification of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle (HUP), is considered valuable in modern theoretical physics due to its implications on quantum gravity effects. In this paper, we attempted to derive an equation of state for dark energy, using the extended uncertainty principle (EUP) which includes a defined maximum length. We then compared this novel equation with the equations of state obtained from cosmological observations. The observational constraints on dark energy equation of states and the second law of thermodynamics suggest that the EUP parameter sign with maximum length must change.

Influence of twist ratio of twisted tape turbulator on thermal and second law efficiency of spiral tube

This study aims to determine the effects of a spirally coiled tube paired with a twisted tape turbulator. The tube was maintained at a constant wall temperature, and the flow was considered to be turbulent. Effect of different flow rates has been studied in which the Reynolds number was ranging between 6000 and 52,000. The Reynolds number and twist angle of twisted tape are the main variables whose influence has been assessed on the heat transfer characteristics. It was observed that the twisted tape may totally change the hydrodynamics behavior of fluid in the spiral tube affecting both pressure drop and heat transfer. As a result of adding twisted tape the pressure drop ratio raised from 1.88 to 2.19 and the Nusselt number raised from 1.03 to 1.115. In order to evaluate both the heat transfer enhancement as a desired phenomenon and the pressure drop as an undesired phenomenon, the performance evaluation criteria (PEC) has also been studied. The amount of 0.868 was the highest PEC amount achieved through this method which indicates that the method has positive effect in enhancing the heat transfer characteristics. In order to better evaluate the proposed method, the White-Shamsundar efficiency has also been evaluated which considers both of the first and second law of thermodynamics simultaneously and reports the data based on both efficiencies of the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

Coupled Elastic–Plastic Damage Modeling of Rock Based on Irreversible Thermodynamics

Shale is a common rock in oil and gas extraction, and the study of its nonlinear mechanical behavior is crucial for the development of engineering techniques such as hydraulic fracturing. This paper establishes a new coupled elastic–plastic damage model based on the second law of thermodynamics, the strain equivalence principle, the non-associated flow rule, and the Drucker–Prager yield criterion. This model is used to describe the mechanical behavior of shale before and after peak strength and has been implemented in ABAQUS via UMAT for numerical computation. The model comprehensively considers the quasi-brittle and anisotropic characteristics of shale, as well as the strength degradation caused by damage during both the elastic and plastic phases. A damage yield function has been established as a criterion for damage occurrence, and the constitutive integration algorithm has been derived using a regression mapping algorithm. Compared with experimental data from La Biche shale in Canada, the theoretical model accurately simulated the stress–strain curves and volumetric–axial strain curves of shale under confining pressures of 5 MPa, 25 MPa, and 50 MPa. When compared with experimental data from shale in Western Hubei and Eastern Chongqing, China, the model precisely fitted the stress–strain curves of shale at pressures of 30 MPa, 50 MPa, and 70 MPa, and at bedding angles of 0°, 22.5°, 45°, and 90°. This proves that the model can effectively predict the failure behavior of shale under different confining pressures and bedding angles. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis has been performed on parameters such as the plastic hardening rate b, damage evolution rate Bω, weighting factor r, and damage softening parameter a. This research is expected to provide theoretical support for the efficient extraction technologies of shale oil and gas.

Enhancing the Thermal Efficiency of Parabolic Trough Collectors by Using Annular Receivers for Low-Enthalpy Steam Generation

Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are a well-established technology for efficiently generating hot water and low-enthalpy steam. For instance, PTCs can be used in steam power systems to drive small Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). This study evaluated the thermal efficiency of a PTC equipped with a receiver tube featuring a concentric annular cross-section. This receiver design consists of a tube with a concentric rod inside, forming an annular gap through which the working fluid flows. A thermodynamic model was developed to assess the PTC’s thermal efficiency in hot water and low-enthalpy steam applications. The evaluation considered the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, factoring in environmental losses. The model included a bare receiver tube with three-rod diameters—3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches—and a range of volumetric flow rates from 1 to 6 L per minute. The results showed improved heat transfer with the annular cross-section receiver compared to a conventional circular one, particularly at lower flow rates of 1 and 2 L per minute. The highest increase in thermal efficiency was observed with the 3/4-inch rod at a flow rate of 1 L per minute, where the maximum efficiency reached 40%.

Thermodynamics of black holes featuring primary scalar hair

In this work, we embark on the thermodynamic investigation concerning a family of primary charged black holes within the context of shift and parity symmetric Beyond Horndeski gravity. Employing the Euclidean approach, we derive the functional expression for the free energy and derive the first thermodynamic law, offering a methodology to address the challenge of extracting the thermal quantities in shift-symmetric scalar tensor theories characterized by linear time dependence in the scalar field. Following the formal analysis, we provide some illustrative examples focusing on the thermal evaporation of these objects. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Cosmic thermodynamics of interacting scenario of EBEC dark matter and holographic dark energy

The current article is base on the concept of interacting dark matter in the framework of Extended Bose–Einstein condensate dark matter with the holographic dark energy model. In the scenario of dark energy and different cases of the dark matter interaction term, we discuss the behavior of the cosmological parameters, thermodynamics and thermal equilibrium conditions. To investigate the accelerated expansion or decelerated phase of the universe, we consider the observational values from literature of all parameters and graphically examine the different phases of the cosmological parameters which are deceleration, equation of state, jerk and snap parameters. We also graphically discuss the stability condition of the generalized second law of thermodynamics and thermal equilibrium condition by utilizing the observational values. We conclude that for all cases the deceleration parameter represents the accelerated behavior and for all cases the universe is stable for generalized second law of thermodynamics and for two cases the thermal equilibrium condition is stable and for third case it shows the partial stability.

A novel high-dimensional sensor calibration framework integrating thermodynamic laws in complex HVAC systems

Accurate calibration of sensors is critical for ensuring energy efficient operation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. Due to the high dimensionality of sensor data and the complexity of multiple-fault scenarios, calibrating sensors in large and complex HVAC systems presents significant challenges. To address this issue, this study introduces a novel sensor calibration framework that integrates thermodynamic laws for high-dimensional sensor calibration in complex HVAC systems. The traditional calibration method heavily relies on accurate data, making it difficult to apply in practical engineering projects. The innovative aspect of our method lies in its integration of thermodynamic laws, such as mass balance and energy conservation, with sensor calibration framework. This approach enables the framework to handle high-dimensional sensor measurements effectively without any training data. We compared five optimization algorithms and applied them to a central cooling system in Hong Kong. The results demonstrated that the simulated annealing (SA) is the most robust for solving the calibration problem, even in scenarios with up to 21 faulty sensors, with the calibrated sensor accuracy meeting the standards for conventional chiller plant operations. This novel framework provides a robust and reliable solution for high-dimensional sensor calibration in large and complex HVAC systems, addressing the growing need for precise sensor calibration as the number of installed sensors increases.