Discover a straightforward and holistic look at energy conversion and conservation processes using the exergy concept with this thorough text. Explains the fundamental energy conversion processes in numerous diverse systems, ranging from jet engines and nuclear reactors to human bodies. Provides examples for applications to practical energy conversion processes and systems that use our naturally occurring energy resources, such as fossil fuels, solar energy, wind, geothermal, and nuclear fuels. With more than one-hundred diverse cases and solved examples, readers will be able to perform optimizations for a cleaner environment, a sustainable energy future, and affordable energy generation. An essential tool for practicing scientists and engineers who work or do research in the area of energy and exergy, as well as graduate students and faculty in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and physics.

‘Beginners will discover a simple and holistic view of the energy conversion and conservation process with an exergy concept. The concise but practical description of the fundamental energy conversion process in various systems, from jet engines and nuclear reactors to the human body, is given. Readers can find useful examples of practical energy conversion processes and systems that use naturally occurring energy resources such as fossil fuels, solar energy, wind power, geothermal power, and nuclear fuel. The chapter ‘Exergy in Biological Systems’ is an outstanding feature of this textbook. Readers can find fundamental examples with solutions of biomass energy conversion system, such as, ‘Animal and Human Systems’, ‘Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics of Biological Systems’, and ‘Entropy Production and Exergy Destruction in Humans.’’

Yoshiharu Amano - Waseda University

‘The book offers a treatment of the exergy concept by fuel type, energy utilization, system scale and contemporary industrial technologies and natural systems. Treatment of exergy in plant, animal and natural systems expands the value of this book well beyond industrial applications. Economic aspects of sustainable energy and exergy concepts complete the well-rounded comprehensive treatment of the subject. The book is a fundamental reference and a must read for students, scientists and engineers.’

F. A. Kulacki - University of Minnesota

‘An excellent reference book extending the application of exergy analysis to several relevant contexts with practical examples: electrical and reactive systems, drying, desalination, transportation, energy storage, environmental sustainability and biological systems including human body metabolism and physical activity. Recommended and full of attractive ideas.’

Giampaolo Manfrida - University of Florence

‘This book tackles exergy in a truly unique way that makes the reader appreciate its meaning and applicability to everyday systems and devices undergoing energy conversion processes. The book has numerous examples and problems that make it not only a great reference book on the subject, but also a great textbook for graduate and senior level undergraduate courses in energy conversion.’

S. A. Sherif - University of Florida

‘Exergy quantifies the work potential of energy forms and energy resources and is a crucial concept for modern-day energy efficiency assessments. This book shows how exergy is used when analysing, developing, designing or retrofitting processes and systems - not only power plants! - that use and convert energy. Energy can neither be consumed nor destroyed - but exergy can be, and energy not used offers new opportunities, now or later.’

Ron Zevenhoven - Åbo Akademi University

‘This volume by engineering professor Michaelides (Texas Christian Univ.) is essentially an intermediate thermodynamics textbook with an emphasis on losses during energy conversion processes … This book will be most appreciated by postgraduate scholars and instructors who want to advance their existing knowledge of energy conversion processes … Recommended.’

M. Alam Source: Choice Magazine