Title: Understanding the exergy of cold: theory and practical examples

Authors: Sabine Jansen, Nico Woudstra

Addresses: Section of Climate Design of the Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands. ' Section of Energy Technology of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 44, 2628 CA Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: Exergy analysis is used to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of processes, including energy conversion and supply systems. This often involves the calculation of the exergy of heat, at a temperature either above or below the environmental temperature (T₀). The exergy of |cold|, i.e., heat at T < T₀, is less used and therefore sometimes also less understood. This paper broadens the understanding of the exergy of cold by discussing the theory and giving two useful examples illustrating the added value of exergy when considering cold: The regasification of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the exergy demand of cooling in buildings.

Keywords: exergy of cold; cool exergy; exergy analysis; exergy factor; cool exergy potential; exergy demand; cooling processes; regasification; liquefied natural gas; LNG; buildings.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2010.035516

International Journal of Exergy, 2010 Vol.7 No.6, pp.693 - 713

Published online: 30 Sep 2010 *

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