Chemical Processes in Renewable Energy Systems

Appendix B

Thermodynamic Power Cycles: A Primer

The theoretical basis for a vast majority of the electricity generated worldwide is provided by the thermodynamic power cycles that govern the conversion of heat into mechanical work by heat engines. These power conversion cycles (PCSs) that are at the heart of fossil and nuclear power plants are also vital for electricity generation from renewable energy sources—geothermal, solar thermal, ocean thermal, and biomass. A brief overview of some of the power cycles of relevance is presented below.

B.1 Carnot Cycle

The Carnot cycle is the ideal thermodynamic process proposed by the French physicist Sadi Carnot in the early 19th century. He proposed a cyclic process consisting of two isothermal and ...