Title: Size considerations in applications of exergy analysis

Authors: Marc A. Rosen

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K4, Canada

Abstract: Considerations related to size of application of exergy analysis are examined. Six size categories are considered: sub-device, device, simple system, complex system, macro system, and planetary-scale system. The boundaries between categories are not sharp. It is concluded that many systems investigated with exergy analysis exhibit size-related trends regarding how exergy analysis is performed, and a size categorisation can identify how exergy analysis can most appropriately be applied. The results can help guide exergy users to the most suitable manner of application for a given system and are expected to improve the usability of exergy analysis and increase its application.

Keywords: exergy analysis; simple systems; complex systems; sub-devices; devices; size; macrosystems; planetary scale systems; heating; thermal storage; heat pump; applications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2008.018110

International Journal of Exergy, 2008 Vol.5 No.3, pp.249 - 274

Published online: 02 May 2008 *

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