Exergy - a useful concept for ecology and sustainability

preprint2012arXivOpen access

Abstract

We present the relatively less known thermodynamic concept of exergy in the context of ecology and sustainability. To this end, we first very briefly outline thermodynamics as it arose historically via engineering studies. This enables us to define exergy as available energy. An example of applying the concept of exergy to a simple human process is next described. Then we present an exergy analysis of Earth as a flow system, also concurrently describing other necessary concepts. Finally, we briefly comment on the applicability of exergy analysis to ecology and sustainability. Keywords: exergy - energy - work - thermodynamics - heat transfer - flow processes

Explore this paper’s authors, topics and related work.

Building this map preview

BZPEER is loading the nearby papers, people, topics and institutions for this page.

Reviews 0

Write a reviewWrite

No reviews yet.

Discussion 0

Add a commentWrite

No comments yet.