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Energy pp 229–303Cite as

Energy Conversion

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Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Abstract

Energy can be converted from one form to another in a device or in a system. For example, batteries convert chemical energy to electrical energy and operate mobile electronic equipment. A dam converts gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy of moving water used on the blades of a turbine, which ultimately converts the kinetic energy to electric energy through an electric generator. Heat engines are devices converting heat into work. With each energy conversion, part of the energy becomes dispersed and becomes less useful and hence unavailable for further use. This chapter discusses energy conversion and thermal efficiency of turbines, compressors, and heat engines. Heat engines include Carnot, Rankine, Brayton, Otto, and Diesel cycles. Thermal efficiencies are formulated and discussed in various example problems. This chapter emphasizes the thermal efficiency of converting heat to other forms of energy. There are 26 example problems within the text and 98 practice problems at the end of the chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, N 16th St 820, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0643, USA

    Yaşar Demirel

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  1. Yaşar Demirel
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Demirel, Y. (2012). Energy Conversion. In: Energy. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2372-9_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2372-9_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-2371-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2372-9

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