Title: An exergy-based evaluation model for the performance of the fossil fuel life cycle

Authors: Yanfeng Liu; Yang Li

Addresses: College of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710055, China ' College of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710055, China

Abstract: This paper combines exergy analysis and life cycle theory in evaluating the performance of fossil fuels. The entire life cycle of fossil fuels, including production, utilisation, recycling and treatment, are taken into consideration, with a focus on exergy efficiency and environmental performance. In addition to the exergy depletion of fossil fuels themselves and the direct environmental impact, indirect exergy cost and indirect environmental impacts during the life cycle of fossil fuels are tracked, and the environmental impacts are quantified using exergy methods. The overall exergy efficiency and the exergy-based environmental impact index of the fossil fuel life cycle are proposed to evaluate the utilisation efficiency and environmental impacts of the fossil fuel. Moreover, a case study from Xi'an, China, regarding heating illustrates the application of this method.

Keywords: fossil fuel life cycle; energy efficiency; resource depletion; environmental impact; exergy analysis; performance evaluation; fossil fuels; exergy efficiency; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2015.069320

International Journal of Exergy, 2015 Vol.17 No.1, pp.92 - 109

Received: 20 Dec 2013
Accepted: 06 May 2014
Published online: 11 May 2015 *

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