unavailable energy

"Unavailable energy" is a key concept in thermodynamics, particularly in understanding energy efficiency and entropy.

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Definition

C1Thermodynamics

(technical, scientific)Energy in a system that cannot be converted into useful work due to the increase in entropy.

Example

  • In a steam engine, some of the heat becomes unavailable energy and cannot be used to perform work.
  • The concept of unavailable energy helps explain why no engine can be 100% efficient.

C1Physics

(technical, scientific)Energy that is dissipated as heat and cannot be harnessed for practical use.

Example

  • During the conversion process, some energy becomes unavailable energy and is lost as heat.
  • Unavailable energy is a consequence of the second law of thermodynamics.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "unavailable energy":

phantom energyfree energyalternative energythermal energyelectric energy