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Energy Sources Part A-recovery Utilization and Environmental Effects, Vol.37, No.1, 101-109, 2015
Electromagnetic and Thermodynamic Analysis to Predict the Serious Life-threatening Implications of Future Massive Solar Energy Application
In this article, by an electromagnetic and thermodynamic analysis, it is finally predicted that future massive solar power application will pose a serious threat to life. To the eventual aim, it is first argued that life feeds on low entropy. Then, two physical theorems are proven, which clearly show the severe limitations in doing macroscopic work for future large-scale solar power use: First, low-density solar radiation limitation, and second, positive entropy generation limitation. These limitations force the observation that solar radiation must be extremely concentrated to produce a gigantic amount of work. Accordingly, some future practical implications of concentrated solar power use are considered. Combining these physical limitations with a discussion of the biophysical limit, some inferences are made leading to the final prediction above. In conclusion, for the preservation of life, it is proposed that present and future massive energy consumption must be strictly avoided.