Thermodynamic efficiency and entropy production in the climate system

Lucarini, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9392-1471 (2009) Thermodynamic efficiency and entropy production in the climate system. Physical Review E, 80 (2). 021118-021118. ISSN 1539-3755 doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.80.021118

Abstract/Summary

We present an outlook on the climate system thermodynamics. First, we construct an equivalent Carnot engine with efficiency and frame the Lorenz energy cycle in a macroscale thermodynamic context. Then, by exploiting the second law, we prove that the lower bound to the entropy production is times the integrated absolute value of the internal entropy fluctuations. An exergetic interpretation is also proposed. Finally, the controversial maximum entropy production principle is reinterpreted as requiring the joint optimization of heat transport and mechanical work production. These results provide tools for climate change analysis and for climate models’ validation.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/27138
Identification Number/DOI	10.1103/PhysRevE.80.021118
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Walker Institute Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Publisher	American Physical Society
Publisher Statement	© 2009 The American Physical Society
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