Energy Conversion and Storage

Energy Conversion and Storage is a field of applied science focused on the technologies and processes used to change energy from one form into another and to capture it for later use. This discipline encompasses everything from power plants that transform chemical or thermal energy into electricity, to solar panels that convert light into electrical power. Critically, it also includes methods for storing this energy—such as in batteries, pumped hydroelectric systems, or as hydrogen—to bridge the gap between energy production and consumption, thereby enhancing grid stability and enabling the widespread adoption of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.

1. Fundamentals of Energy
   1. Energy Concepts and Definitions
      1. Energy Definition and Properties
      2. Work and Heat Relationships
      3. Energy Quality and Availability
      4. Conservation Principles
   2. Principles of Thermodynamics
      1. First Law of Thermodynamics
         1. Conservation of Energy Principle
         2. Mathematical Formulation
         3. Internal Energy Concept
         4. Enthalpy and Its Applications
         5. Energy Balances for Closed Systems
         6. Energy Balances for Open Systems
         7. Steady-State and Transient Analysis
      2. Second Law of Thermodynamics
         1. Entropy Concept and Definition
         2. Entropy Generation and Production
         3. Spontaneity of Processes
         4. Irreversibility and Reversibility
         5. Thermodynamic Efficiency Limits
         6. Heat Engine and Heat Pump Cycles
      3. Third Law of Thermodynamics
         1. Absolute Entropy
         2. Temperature Approach to Absolute Zero
      4. Exergy and Anergy Analysis
         1. Exergy Definition and Physical Meaning
         2. Dead State and Reference Environment
         3. Exergy Calculation Methods
         4. Exergy Destruction and Irreversibilities
         5. Anergy Concept and Applications
         6. Exergy Analysis in Energy Systems
         7. Exergy Efficiency
      5. Thermodynamic Cycles
         1. Carnot Cycle
            1. Cycle Description and Components
            2. Carnot Efficiency Formula
            3. Temperature Limits and Implications
         2. Real vs Ideal Cycles
         3. Cycle Analysis Methods
         4. Performance Parameters
   3. Forms of Energy
      1. Chemical Energy
         1. Chemical Bonds and Bond Energy
         2. Enthalpy of Formation
         3. Enthalpy of Combustion
         4. Energy Content of Fuels
         5. Heating Values
         6. Combustion Stoichiometry
         7. Energy Release Mechanisms
      2. Thermal Energy
         1. Temperature and Heat
         2. Sensible Heat
         3. Latent Heat
         4. Phase Change Energy
         5. Heat Transfer Mechanisms
            1. Conduction
            2. Convection
            3. Radiation
         6. Internal Energy and Temperature Relations
      3. Mechanical Energy
         1. Kinetic Energy
            1. Definition and Mathematical Expression
            2. Translational Kinetic Energy
            3. Rotational Kinetic Energy
            4. Applications in Moving Systems
         2. Potential Energy
            1. Gravitational Potential Energy
            2. Elastic Potential Energy
            3. Chemical Potential Energy
            4. Electric Potential Energy
         3. Mechanical Work
         4. Energy Conversion in Mechanical Systems
      4. Electrical Energy
         1. Electric Potential and Voltage
         2. Electric Current and Charge Flow
         3. Electrical Power
         4. Generation Methods
         5. Transmission and Distribution
         6. Storage Mechanisms
         7. Conversion to Other Forms
      5. Electromagnetic Energy
         1. Electromagnetic Spectrum
         2. Photon Energy
         3. Solar Radiation Characteristics
         4. Light-Matter Interactions
         5. Absorption and Emission Processes
         6. Blackbody Radiation
      6. Nuclear Energy
         1. Nuclear Structure and Binding Energy
         2. Nuclear Fission
            1. Fission Process
            2. Chain Reactions
            3. Energy Release Calculations
         3. Nuclear Fusion
            1. Fusion Reactions
            2. Energy Requirements
            3. Fusion Energy Release
         4. Radioactive Decay
            1. Decay Processes
            2. Half-Life and Activity
            3. Energy Release in Decay
   4. Energy Units and Measurements
      1. Energy Units
         1. Joule (SI Base Unit)
         2. Kilowatt-hour
         3. British Thermal Unit
         4. Calorie and Kilocalorie
         5. Electron Volt
         6. Unit Conversions
      2. Power Units
         1. Watt (SI Base Unit)
         2. Kilowatt and Megawatt
         3. Horsepower
         4. Power Calculations
      3. Energy Density Metrics
         1. Gravimetric Energy Density
         2. Volumetric Energy Density
         3. Comparison of Energy Storage Media
         4. Practical Implications
      4. Power Density Metrics
         1. Definition and Importance
         2. Applications in Device Design
         3. System Performance Implications
      5. Efficiency Metrics
         1. Round-trip Efficiency
         2. Conversion Efficiency
         3. System Efficiency
         4. Efficiency Calculation Methods
         5. Factors Affecting Efficiency