Thermodynamic Controls in Chemical Reactors

In this chapter we discuss various theoretical and practical aspects of chemical reactor analysis, synthesis, and optimization. In particular we stress the role of dynamic modeling and optimal control methods in optimization of chemical, electrochemical, and biological reactors. We analyze in sequence: stoichiometric coefficients, driving forces of transport and rate processes, nonlinear macrokinetics of chemical processes, chemical Ohm’s law, heterogeneities, stability, instabilities, limit cycles, chemical fluctuations, and the role of chaos and fractals in the chemical word. Particular attention is given to the power yield problems in chemical engines (the second part of this chapter).