Engineering Fundamentals of Energy Conversion Pathways

了解能源转换的宏观趋势，包括能源形式的使用，转换步骤的效率限制和转换路径的长度，从历史上和我们走向低碳能源的未来。这些方法将涉及获取和协调与能源转换步骤和技术革新有关的历史数据；运用火用分析计算理论和实际的能源效率极限；并对能量转换步骤进行形态分析。预期的结果是一个分析能源形式、转换效率和途径的整体框架，它使能源使用的历史趋势有意义，并揭示了向净零排放社会过渡的技术选择（和限制）。这一项目对于了解未来的能源基础设施和指导采取行动以实现可产生影响的减排方案具有国家和国际重要性。

Understanding the macro-level trends in energy conversion, including the use of energy forms, efficiency limits for conversion steps and the length of conversion pathways, both historically and as we move to a low-carbon energy future. The methods will involve the acquisition and reconciliation of historical data related to energy conversion steps and technological innovation; calculation of theoretical and practical energy efficiency limits, using exergy analysis; and morphological analysis of energy conversion steps. The expected outcome is a holistic framework for analysing energy forms, conversion efficiencies and pathways, which makes sense of historical trends in energy use and reveals the technology options (and limitations) for transitioning to a net-zero emission society. This project has national and international importance for understanding future energy infrastructure and directing actions towards emissions mitigation options which can make a difference.