As a physics major, the part I liked best, after the explanation of the 1st and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, is this paragraph: "The logical conclusion is that the conversion and storage of energy should be avoided as much as possible, since these result in the loss of useful energy (renewables proponents say that “surplus” renewable energy can be converted and stored for future use, but this implies a significant over-build of renewables in excess of peak instantaneous demand). Any loss of useful energy directly translates into reduced system energy efficiency, and a lowering of the EROI. It also results in direct warming of the biosphere since the energy losses are typically in the form of heat lost to the environment." I touched on this principle in "My Two Cents" post Aug.17th, "Which Way Energy?"
As a physics major, the part I liked best, after the explanation of the 1st and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, is this paragraph: "The logical conclusion is that the conversion and storage of energy should be avoided as much as possible, since these result in the loss of useful energy (renewables proponents say that “surplus” renewable energy can be converted and stored for future use, but this implies a significant over-build of renewables in excess of peak instantaneous demand). Any loss of useful energy directly translates into reduced system energy efficiency, and a lowering of the EROI. It also results in direct warming of the biosphere since the energy losses are typically in the form of heat lost to the environment." I touched on this principle in "My Two Cents" post Aug.17th, "Which Way Energy?"
Thank you for you comment Al. I will have to read your "My Two Cents" post again.