Lin-Shu Wang

By Lin-Shu Wang

Considering heat a form of energy, the mechanical theory of heat (MTH), in making this historic advance of heat’s ontological-category, made a relational-category error. The resulting energetic viewpoint of MTH sees all changes in nature as energy conversions and the problem of building heating and cooling as, quantitatively, energy-demand-and-supply problem. The IEA-ECBCS-programme introduced a correction to this energetic bias with the principle of “matching the quality levels between the energy supply and demand,” which is known as LowEx approach. A recently formulated theory of heat, the predicative entropic theory of heat (PETH), is based on the cornerstone of correct categories of heat ontologically as well as predicatively (relationally). In the new theory, heat extraction plays a central role and, therefore, changes in nature are seen in terms of spontaneous entropy growth and heat extraction as powered by entropy growth potentials (EGPs). An alternative to the IEA-ECBCS’s LowEx approach is suggested here based on heat extraction. Instead of matching of quality levels, LowEx can also be achieved by the management of natural EGPs: the combined solar and heat pump systems (S+HPs) can be transformed into LowEx S+HPs, a pure heat extraction system, by “eliminating” the energy conversion process of auxiliary heating.

Part of the book: Application of Exergy

By Lin-Shu Wang and Peng Shi

Humans has experienced energy transitions throughout its history and the current transition from fossil energy to renewable energy is the latest example. But this latest example is different: rather than resulting from scarcity, this energy transition results from the threat of global warming—which is generally attributed to the short-term increasing of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere but also to the long-term heat threat posed by a warming Sun, according to the Gaia theory. Perspective appreciation of the nature of this combination necessitates for us to take a systems-thinking about the Earth system as a whole rather than the standard narrative of technical solution to our problem (of how to convert a small part of the abundant solar energy [including wind energy] into useful energy). Only by framing the energy transition as a part of dealing with the existential threat of global warming as heat threat, we are capturing the right perspective. Rather than any shortfall of energy—increasing carbon dioxide, heat threat, and collapse of Earth’s ecosystems are the real threats. Cognizant of these is the beginning for humans to seize solutions to deal with the threats before it is too late.

Part of the book: Entropy and Exergy in Renewable Energy