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An exergy-based framework for evaluating environmental impact

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  • Simpson, Adam P.
  • Edwards, Chris F.

Abstract

The analysis framework introduced in this paper utilizes the recognition that exergy is a form of environmental free energy to provide a fundamental basis for valuing environmental interactions independent from their secondary impacts (e.g., global warming, photochemical smog). In order to extend exergy to analyze environmental interactions, modifications are required to the traditional representation of the environment and definition of the dead state used in technical exergy analysis. These are accomplished through a combination of logical extensions and use of non-equilibrium thermodynamic principles. The framework is comprised of two separate components: (1) environmental exergy analysis and (2) anthropocentric sensitivity analysis. Environmental exergy analysis is based on fundamental thermodynamic principles and analysis techniques. It extends the principles of technical exergy analysis to the environment in order to quantify the locations, magnitudes, and types of environmental impact—state change, alteration of natural transfers, and destruction change. Anthropocentric sensitivity analysis is based on the concepts of anthropocentric value and anthropocentric sensitivity. It enables the results of environmental exergy analysis to be interpreted for decision making, but at the expense of introducing some subjectivity into the framework. A key attribute of the framework is its ability to evaluate and compare the environmental performance of energy systems on a level playing field, regardless of the specifics of the systems—resources, by-products, sizes, time scales.

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  • Simpson, Adam P. & Edwards, Chris F., 2011. "An exergy-based framework for evaluating environmental impact," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 1442-1459.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:36:y:2011:i:3:p:1442-1459
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2011.01.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Ramakrishnan, Sankaran & Edwards, Christopher F., 2014. "Maximum-efficiency architectures for steady-flow combustion engines, I: Attractor trajectory optimization approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 44-57.
    3. Liu, J. & Goel, A. & Kua, H.W. & Wang, C.H. & Peng, Y.H., 2021. "Evaluating the urban metabolism sustainability of municipal solid waste management system: An extended exergy accounting and indexing perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    4. Diaz-Mendez, S.E. & Sierra-Grajeda, J.M.T. & Hernandez-Guerrero, A. & Rodriguez-Lelis, J.M., 2013. "Entropy generation as an environmental impact indicator and a sample application to freshwater ecosystems eutrophication," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 234-239.
    5. Wu, Junnian & Wang, Ruiqi & Pu, Guangying & Qi, Hang, 2016. "Integrated assessment of exergy, energy and carbon dioxide emissions in an iron and steel industrial network," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 430-444.
    6. Ramakrishnan, Sankaran & Edwards, Christopher F., 2014. "Unifying principles of irreversibility minimization for efficiency maximization in steady-flow chemically-reactive engines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 844-853.
    7. Wu, Junnian & Pu, Guangying & Guo, Yan & Lv, Jingwen & Shang, Jiangwei, 2018. "Retrospective and prospective assessment of exergy, life cycle carbon emissions, and water footprint for coking network evolution in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 479-493.
    8. Yang, Siyu & Yang, Qingchun & Qian, Yu, 2013. "A composite efficiency metrics for evaluation of resource and energy utilization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 455-462.
    9. Sun, Jingchao & Na, Hongming & Yan, Tianyi & Qiu, Ziyang & Yuan, Yuxing & He, Jianfei & Li, Yingnan & Wang, Yisong & Du, Tao, 2021. "A comprehensive assessment on material, exergy and emission networks for the integrated iron and steel industry," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    10. BoroumandJazi, G. & Saidur, R. & Rismanchi, B. & Mekhilef, S., 2012. "A review on the relation between the energy and exergy efficiency analysis and the technical characteristic of the renewable energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 3131-3135.
    11. Simpson, Adam P. & Edwards, Chris F., 2013. "The utility of environmental exergy analysis for decision making in energy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 742-751.
    12. Meggers, Forrest & Ritter, Volker & Goffin, Philippe & Baetschmann, Marc & Leibundgut, Hansjürg, 2012. "Low exergy building systems implementation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 48-55.
    13. Chen, Zhichao & Wang, Zhenwang & Li, Zhengqi & Xie, Yiquan & Ti, Shuguang & Zhu, Qunyi, 2014. "Experimental investigation into pulverized-coal combustion performance and NO formation using sub-stoichiometric ratios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 844-855.
    14. Golberg, Alexander, 2015. "Environmental exergonomics for sustainable design and analysis of energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 314-321.

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