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- Title
A Thermodynamic Metric for Assessing Sustainable Use of Natural Resources.
- Authors
Kjelstrup, S.; Dewulf, J.; Nordén, B.
- Abstract
A thermodynamic metric is proposed to supplement existing scales in the assessment of the way we use our natural resources. This metric has the advantage of being absolute and independent of economy, suitable for comparison of technologies, and can be used at molecular level as well as process-units and systems levels. It measures loss of useful work (exergy) in cradle-to-grave or complete recycling systems in terms of generalized friction or entropy production and may deliver realistic targets for process operations. This absolute scale can be useful also for international legislation and to foster a development in direction of more sustainable technologies. In an extended perspective, the presented approach may form a universal basis for analysis and development of national economies and policies regarding industry, engineering and environment. This may give new opportunities to put political resource discussions on a solid objective footing.
- Subjects
THERMODYNAMICS; NATURAL resources; EXERGY; ENVIRONMENTAL engineering; ENTROPY
- Publication
International Journal of Thermodynamics, 2015, Vol 18, Issue 1, p66
- ISSN
1301-9724
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5541/ijot.5000086729