Physics of Energy Conversion

1 Introduction
1.1 Terms and definitions
1.2 Exemplary energy consumption
1.3 Forms of energy

2 Exergy
2.1 Conversion efficiencies
2.2 Physical properties
2.3 Exergy
2.4 Heat pumps

3 Open systems
3.1 Thermodynamic properties
3.2 Exergy of open systems
3.3 Important example components

4 Thermal power plants
4.1 Ideal steam power plants
4.2 Efficiency of a realistic steam power plant
4.3 Modifications in a real power plant
4.4 Ideal gas-fired power plants
4.5 Efficiency of a realistic gas-fired power plant
4.6 Modifications in real gas-fired power plants

5 Chemical Exergy
5.1 Basic concepts
5.2 The driving force of a chemical reaction
5.3 The exergy of fuels

6 Electrochemical energy conversion
6.1 Electrochemistry

6.2 Fuel cells
6.3 Non-rechargeable batteries

7 Solar energy conversion
7.1 Properties of the solar irradiation
7.2 Solarthermal energy conversion
7.3 Concentrating devices
7.4 Photovoltaics

8 Exergy Storage
8.1 Mechanical storage
8.2 Electrochemical storage 9 Final Notes
A Basics: Thermodynamics
A.1 Laws of thermodynamics
A.2 Thermodynamic potentials
A.3 Ideal gases
A.4 The Carnot cycle
A.5 Phase transitions

B Basics: Solid state physics
B.1 Particle ensembles
B.2 Semiconductors