The Energy Transformation Limit Theorem for Gas Flow Systems

TL;DR

This paper proves a limit energy transformation theorem for gas flow systems, extending thermodynamic principles beyond Carnot efficiency, with implications for astrophysics and shock wave theory.

Contribution

It introduces a new energy transformation limit theorem for flow systems, showing their non-Carnot nature and dependence on medium properties.

Findings

Flow energy systems are non-Carnot cycles.

Maximum energy conversion efficiency depends on the working medium.

The theorem extends the second law of thermodynamics for these systems.

Abstract

The limit energy theorem which determines the possibility of transformation the energy flow in power systems in the absence of technical work is investigated and proved for such systems as gas lasers and plasmatrons, chemical gas reactors, vortex tubes, gas-acoustic and other systems, as well as a system of close stars. In the case of the same name ideal gas in the system the maximum ratio of energy conversion effectiveness is linked to the Carnot theorem, which in its turn is connected with the Nernst theorem. However, numerical analyses show that the class of flow energy systems is non-carnot one. The ratio of energy conversion effectiveness depends on the properties of the working medium; a conventional cycle in open-circuit is essentially irreversible. The proved theorem gives a more strongly worded II law of thermodynamics for the selected class of flow energy systems. Implications for astrophysical thermodynamic systems and the theory of a strong shock wave are discussed.