Life Cycle Exergy Analysis of Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract

Exergy concepts and exergy based methods offer an insight to the understanding of sustainable energy engineering. The utilization of energy and other resources by applying physical concept as exergy and exergy based methods and the value of these tools in the design are presented, in particular Life Cycle Exergy Analysis (LCEA). LCEA is applied to a typical wind power plant. This brings a new approach and insight to the engineering conditions for a sustainable development that is further elaborated. The importance of introducing this new knowledge into present engineering education and practices is argued for.