Thermodynamic optimization of global circulation and climate

Bejan, Adrian; Reis, A. Heitor

doi:10.1002/er.1058

Cited by 30 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…For a given rate of entropy production, e.g., in a power plant, the system is designed in a way to maximize the amount of useful work, so that the wasted (thermal) entropy production is minimized. Applied to the atmospheric circulation (Bejan and Reis 2005), this would imply that the entropy production by frictional dissipation is maximized, while the "waste" thermal entropy production is minimized. In this way, it seems that the "constructal law" can be seen as a complement to MEP.…”

Section: Mep and Complex System Theoriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and maximum entropy production in the Earth system

Kleidon

2009

Naturwissenschaften

150

123

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The Earth system is maintained in a unique state far from thermodynamic equilibrium, as, for instance, reflected in the high concentration of reactive oxygen in the atmosphere. The myriad of processes that transform energy, that result in the motion of mass in the atmosphere, in oceans, and on land, processes that drive the global water, carbon, and other biogeochemical cycles, all have in common that they are irreversible in their nature. Entropy production is a general consequence of these processes and measures their degree of irreversibility. The proposed principle of maximum entropy production (MEP) states that systems are driven to steady states in which they produce entropy at the maximum possible rate given the prevailing constraints. In this review, the basics of nonequilibrium thermodynamics are described, as well as how these apply to Earth system processes. Applications of the MEP principle are discussed, ranging from the strength of the atmospheric circulation, the hydrological cycle, and biogeochemical cycles to the role that life plays in these processes. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and the MEP principle have potentially wide-ranging implications for our understanding of Earth system functioning, how it has evolved in the past, and why it is habitable. Entropy production allows us to quantify an objective direction of Earth system change (closer to vs further away from thermodynamic equilibrium, or, equivalently, towards a state of MEP). When a maximum in entropy production is reached, MEP implies A. Kleidon (B) Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie, Postfach 10 01 64, 07701 Jena, Germany e-mail: akleidon@bgc-jena.mpg.de that the Earth system reacts to perturbations primarily with negative feedbacks. In conclusion, this nonequilibrium thermodynamic view of the Earth system shows great promise to establish a holistic description of the Earth as one system. This perspective is likely to allow us to better understand and predict its function as one entity, how it has evolved in the past, and how it is modified by human activities in the future.

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Section: Mep and Complex System Theoriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and maximum entropy production in the Earth system

Kleidon

2009

Naturwissenschaften

150

123

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“…They showed that beachface slope varies with wave height raised to the power 3/4, and sand grain size raised to the power 4/3. The largest flow system on earth (atmosphere circulation) was also studied from the point of view of the constructal theory [15,16]. The sun-earth-universe assembly was viewed as a power plant, the power output of which is used to force the atmosphere and hydrosphere to flow.…”

Section: Configuration Of Inanimate Natural Flow Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural flow systems: Acquiring their constructal morphology

Miguel¹

2010

Int. J. DNE

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The generation of flow configuration (shape, structure, patterns, rhythms) is a phenomenon that occurs across the board in natural flow systems. Scientists have struggled to understand the origins of this phenomenon. What determines the configuration of natural flow systems? are they following the rule of any law? This paper contributes to stress the importance of common features underlying the generation of configuration in animate and inanimate flow systems. more specifically, as a central, unifying principle, the constructal law is introduced and illustrated. based on studies produced in the light of the constructal theory, we aim to show the oneness of configuration generation in animate and inanimate flow systems. The paper also traces the application of constructal law as a principle of maximisation of flow access in animate morphing configurations, and discusses the need of communication to a specific pattern formation. We further develop the view presented in the paper 'The constructal unification of biological and geophysical design' by bejan and marden (2009)

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“…The heat balance performed on an infinitesimal latitudinal ring yields the excess heat current q in the ring which is convected towards the poles (the cold sinks) by the Earth's global circulation. The optimisation of the heat current is given by the constructal law (Bejan and Reis, 2005) which requires maximum heat flow at all latitudes. The latitudinal temperature T versus albedo (ρ) variations modulated by the Earth's greenhouse factor (γ) is given by (see Clausse et al (2012))…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%