Classical Thermodynamics Revisited: A Systems and Control Perspective

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to make clear (and de-mystify) the basic concepts of classical thermodynamics, and thus to enable the integration of thermodynamics within systems modeling and control. Second, to demonstrate that systems and control theory provides a natural context for the formulation and understanding of classical thermodynamics. This is not so surprising since classical thermodynamics, firmly rooted in engineering with questions such as the maximal efficiency of steam engines, deals from the very start with systems in interaction with their surrounding (by heat flow, mechanical work, flow of matter, etc.). In particular, it will be shown that dissipativity theory is key in the formulation and interpretation of the First and Second Law of thermodynamics. Also a geometric view on the state properties and the dynamics of thermodynamic systems will be emphasized, thereby unifying and simplifying different representations of thermodynamic systems. On the other hand, I will also argue that thermodynamics motivates paradigm shifts within systems and control; in particular, the use of non-minimal state space formulations, and a geometric view on them. Furthermore, while systems and control theory has been primarily based on linear systems with quadratic cost criteria, in line with basic system models in electrical and mechanical engineering (RLC-circuits, mass-spring-damper systems, etc.), thermodynamics necessitates to go beyond this linear-quadratic paradigm.