On some connections between first order irreversible thermodynamics and finite-time thermodynamics

We present a brief review of some works addresed to a connection between concepts arising from both finite-time thermodynamics (FTT) and first order irreversible thermodynamics (FOIT). While the first order irreversible thermodynamics formalism is based on the study of local variables, finite time thermodynamics mainly deals with net global process variables. We show that it is possible to link the first order irreversible thermodynamics language of fluxes and forces with global thermodynamic quantities such as efficiency, power output and the so-called ecological function. This connection is illustrated with some biologically inspired problems.