Efficient Generation of Electricity www.msm.cam.ac.uk/phase-trans

Thermodynamics Cannot win, can only break even Can only break even at absolute zero Self evident truth, statement which commands general belief, an unverifiable although widely accepted fact Cannot reach absolute zero

Goal Increase as far as is possible, the maximum temperature in the cycle i.e. better materials & engineering Self evident truth, statement which commands general belief, an unverifiable although widely accepted fact

Taylor & Thornton, ALSTOM Power, Rugby

0.5 µm

Trivedi, 1969

time = t+∆t time = t

b a time = t+∆t time = t

2.25Cr1Mo 600 °C M3C M2X M23C6 Time / h 1000 h

Mean radius / m Time / s Number density Time / s 10 -9 -8 -7 -6 1/3 Mean radius / m 1/2 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Time / s 2 4 -3 Number density 18 10 m 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Time / s Fujita & Bhadeshia, 2000

650 oC Cole & Bhadeshia, 2002