Title: New definition of fluid exergy in a gravitational field

Authors: Neven Ninic, Zdeslav Juric, Sandro Nizetic

Addresses: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Department of Thermodynamics, Thermotechnics and Heat Engines, University of Split, R. Boskovica bb. 21000 Split, Republic of Croatia. ' Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Zrinsko-Frankopanska 38, 21000 Split, Republic of Croatia. ' Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Department of Thermodynamics, Thermotechnics and Heat Engines, University of Split, R. Boskovica bb. 21000 Split, Republic of Croatia

Abstract: This paper discusses the concept of working fluid exergy in an atmosphere stratified by a gravitational field, particularly the hot humid air in the atmosphere. A definition of exergy, different from that recently proposed by Petela (2008), is presented. Thermodynamic diagrams illustrate its elements and its technically feasible part in a transparent way. Reference papers are given for calculation of this part as technically feasible work potential of the hot humid air. This technically feasible part of the working potential can be used in the |solar chimney|-type power plants, in cooling towers with natural circulation and in the hypothetical plants of the solar chimney type with high vortex columns instead of solar chimney.

Keywords: thermodynamics; work potential; exergy; working fluids; height potential; gravitational field; hot air; humid air; solar chimney; power plants.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2010.035514

International Journal of Exergy, 2010 Vol.7 No.6, pp.667 - 677

Received: 25 Jul 2009
Accepted: 22 Jan 2010
Published online: 30 Sep 2010 *

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