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By: Aditya Sahu.
Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jabalpur Engineering College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
The transition toward sustainable energy systems requires a deeper understanding of the thermodynamic principles that govern energy conversion and utilization. Entropy and efficiency are central to this discussion, as they define the limits of performance and highlight the irreversibility inherent in real processes. This paper examines the role of entropy generation in renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, bioenergy, and advanced energy storage systems. By applying exergy analysis, we identify the pathways through which energy is degraded and lost, emphasizing the importance of minimizing entropy production to enhance overall system efficiency. The study explores how design innovations, material improvements, and integrated system architectures can reduce exergy destruction and approach theoretical efficiency limits such as those defined by Carnot cycles. Beyond technical performance, entropy analysis provides insights into environmental sustainability by linking thermodynamic efficiency with reduced resource consumption and lower ecological footprints. Efficiency metrics are evaluated not only in terms of output power but also in relation to lifecycle impacts and system resilience. The findings suggest that thermodynamic insights offer a unifying framework for assessing and improving sustainable energy technologies, bridging the gap between engineering optimization and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, reducing entropy generation and maximizing efficiency are essential strategies for accelerating the global transition to clean energy, ensuring that renewable systems can meet future demands while maintaining ecological balance.
Citation:
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