Libros UCLV { BETA }

The main feature of this second edition is a rewrite of the chapters on fuel cells, recognizing the rapid advance of the technology. The equilibrium theory is given in much greater detail, and leads to a modified definition of fuel chemical exergy (reflects on Chapters 1,3, and 6). Moreover, the origin of fuels in photosynthesis is discussed as of interest in its own right, and as an illustration of the separation of work and heat in equilibrium and near-equilibrium chemical reactions. Both equilibrium and practical fuel cells conform to the latter description. Combustion is a far from equilibrium reaction, which precludes electrochemistry, destroys the Gibb’s potential completely, and leaves a variable residue of Carnot limited energy (thermo-mechanical exergy), depending on the arrangement of the combustion equipment.