Your thoughts about the entropy of coal?

In summary, in the industry, coal and other fuels are commonly represented by their elemental composition (C, H, O, N, S) for the combustible part, the composition of the ashes (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, etc.), and the Low Heat Value (LHV) which is the heat that can be extracted from combustion product. These data can be used to calculate the enthalpy of coal through the heat balance during combustion. However, the entropy of coal is not included in these data and needs to be obtained separately. One way to obtain the entropy is by using the same data listed above, but with a reference state of T0=273.15 K and p0=
  • #1
maajdl
Gold Member
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In the industry, coal and other fuels are typically represented by

- their C, H, O, N, S elemental composition for the combustible part​
- the composition of the ashes (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, ...)​
- the Low Heat Value (LHV) which is the heat that can be extracted from combustion product​

With these data, the "enthalpy" of coal can be calculated easily from the heat balance during combustion.

But what about the entropy of coal?
Do you think the entropy could be obtained on the basis of the same data listed here above.
Or is something missing? And how to fill the missing information then?

Just curiosity.

Thanks for your ideas ...

Michel
 
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  • #2
What reference state is used for the enthalpy of these substances (temperature, pressure)?
 
  • #3
Usually T0=273.15 K , p0=1atm

Thanks for any suggestion

Michel
 
  • #4
maajdl said:
Usually T0=273.15 K , p0=1atm

Thanks for any suggestion

Michel
Usually heats of formation are at 298 and 1 atm.
 

1. What is entropy and how does it relate to coal?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In the case of coal, it refers to the amount of energy that is unavailable for conversion into work. As coal is burned, its energy is released and becomes less ordered, increasing its entropy.

2. How does the entropy of coal affect its usability as a fuel source?

The higher the entropy of coal, the less energy it contains that can be converted into work. This means that coal with a high entropy will have lower efficiency and may not be as effective as a fuel source compared to coal with lower entropy.

3. Does the entropy of coal change over time?

Yes, the entropy of coal can change over time as it is exposed to different conditions and processes. For example, when coal is burned, its entropy will increase due to the release of energy. However, the overall entropy of coal is relatively stable over long periods of time.

4. How does the extraction and processing of coal impact its entropy?

The extraction and processing of coal can increase its entropy. This is because these activities involve breaking down the coal into smaller pieces, which increases the disorder and randomness in the system. Additionally, the use of energy during extraction and processing also contributes to the overall increase in entropy.

5. Is there a way to reduce the entropy of coal?

The entropy of coal cannot be reduced, as it is a natural property of the substance. However, the efficiency of coal as a fuel source can be improved through technological advancements and better extraction and processing methods, which can help to minimize the increase in entropy during these processes.

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