The entropic potential concept: A new way to look at energy transfer operations

Abstract

Energy transfer operations or processes are systematically analyzed with respect to the way they can be assessed. It turns out that the energy transfer should not only be characterized by the operation or process itself but that it should be seen in a wider context. This context is introduced as the entropic potential of the energy that is transferred. It takes into account the overall transfer from the energy in its initial and finite states, i.e., starting as pure exergy when it is a primary energy, for example, and ending as pure anergy when it has become part of the internal energy of the ambient. With this concept an energy devaluation number can be defined which has several properties with a reasonable physical background. Two examples of different complexity of the process assessed are given and discussed with respect to the physical meaning of the new energy devaluation number. © 2014 by the authors.