Current Trends in Finite‐Time Thermodynamics

Abstract

The cornerstone of finite‐time thermodynamics is all about the price of haste and how to minimize it. Reversible processes may be ultimately efficient, but they are unrealistically slow. In all situations—chemical, mechanical, economical—we pay extra to get the job done quickly. Finite‐time thermodynamics can be used to develop methods to limit that extra expenditure, be it in energy, entropy production, money, or something entirely different. Finite‐time thermodynamics also includes methods to calculate the optimal path or mode of operation to achieve this minimal expenditure. The concept is to place the system of interest in contact with a time‐varying environment which will coax the system along the desired path, much like guiding a horse along by waving a carrot in front of it.