Relationship between the first and second law of thermodynamics

Consider a power plant converting a fraction of available energy A or W _max to useful work W (Fig. 1.13)

Fig. 1.13 A thermodynamic cycle (a) sink at temperature T₂ and (b) sink at ambient condition T₀

For the desired output of W,

Amin = W

1.23

A = Wmax

1.24

∴ I = Irreversibility = Wmax - W

1.25

1.26