The Misleading Use of “Enthalpy” in an Energy Conversion Analysis

Abstract

The frequently used thermodynamic state quantity enthalpy H turns out to be very problematic when applied in an energy conversion analysis. Due to the fact that H combines two terms, the internal energy U and the product pV, the interpretation of what H means in physical terms is often obscure and leads to various misinterpretations. Several examples are given and interpreted twice, i.e. with and without referring to enthalpy.