Energetics

The massive demand for clean energy is one of the major challenges for sustainable development on Earth. Despite significant advances in clean energy technology over the last two decades, additional breakthroughs appear necessary to realistically achieve true sustainability. Research over the last 25 years indicates that there are two thermodynamic ally distinct forms of energetic processes (Type A and B), distinguished by their relationships to the second law of thermodynamics. Type A processes (e.g., found in everyday chemical reactions, domestic and industrial heating and cooling, operation of computers, cars, and aircraft) comport well with traditional formulations of the second law; in contrast, Type B processes are not entirely constrained by these formulations,owing to special asymmetric thermodynamic-geometric features in their constructions. These extend notions of the second law to the direct conversion of thermal energy into usable work. Roughly four dozen Type B systems have now been identified across a wide range of physical parameters: from temperature near absolute zero up to the melting points of most metals; from microscopic to planetary dimensions; in solid, liquid, gas and plasma states of matter. Several have strong experimental and theoretical support and are proceeding toward commercial development. Among the most promising Type B processes are recently identified protonic thermotrophic functions in cell membranes,epicatalysis, and supradegeneracy.

In principle, Type B processes could tap the ubiquitous environmental thermal energy for electricity generation, direct heating and cooling of commercial or residential spaces, production of energy-rich chemicals,thereby helping liberate society from its dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with their deleterious climatic and ecological effects. Such environmental heat utilization (EHU) could provide continuous clean energy for all peoples -- effectively democratizing energy -- thus helping create a shared common future for humanity.

The Energetics Section aims to provide a venue for showcasing cutting-edge energetics research for both Type A and B energy systems. This Section specially encourages the innovative multidisciplinary approach of Type B systems for novel energy renewal technology and development. This Section considers full-length, short communications, perspective, and review articles.

Scope:

• Type A Energetics topics:
  • Bioenergetics;
  • Hydrogen energetics;
  • Photovoltaic energetics and solar thermal energetics;
  • Geothermal powerenergetics;
  • Wind power energetics;
  • Hydropower energetics;
  • Marine energetics;
  • Energy recovery system;
  • The scienceand technology of nuclear energy;
  • The science and technology of fossiland green fuels.

• Type B Energetics topics:
  • Type B protonic bioenergetics;
  • Epicatalysis;
  • Supradegeneracy;
  • New isothermal EHU designs and proposals;
  • Mimics of the rmotrophic function;
  • Physics, chemistry and engineering of Type B systems;
  • Other biological mechanisms with Type B energy processes;
  • Environmental, technological, and socio-politicalimplications of these processes.