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A thermodynamic analysis of energy needs: A case study in A Mexican village

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  • Masera, Omar R.
  • Dutt, Gautam S.

Abstract

A detailed analysis of energy needs in a village is presented. Energy needs are analyzed in terms of first- and second-law efficiencies, for each conversion device and a total of 22 end uses. The first-law efficiency of the village energy system is 17%, while the second-law efficiency is only 6%. Taking into account energy losses outside the village, the efficiency of modern technologies approaches that of traditional devices. While 58% of energy needs correspond to work and heat at < 100 °C, 98.1% of the energy sources involve combustion processes (wood and petroleum) at medium to high temperatures. This mismatch between the quality of energy sources and needs shows that substantial improvements in energy efficiency are attainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Masera, Omar R. & Dutt, Gautam S., 1991. "A thermodynamic analysis of energy needs: A case study in A Mexican village," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 16(4), pages 763-769.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:16:y:1991:i:4:p:763-769
    DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(91)90026-I
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    Cited by:

    1. David Bristow & Christopher Kennedy, 2015. "Why Do Cities Grow? Insights from Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics at the Urban and Global Scales," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 19(2), pages 211-221, April.

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