Fuel exergetic analysis

Winkler, W., Nehter, P., and Williams, M.C. (2010) Basic thermodynamic studies and exergetic analysis of fuel cell steam reforming for natural gas in... 

Hotz, N., Lee, M.T., Grigoropoulos, C.P., Senn, S.M., Poulikakos, D. (2006) Exergetic analysis of fuel cell micropowerplants fed by methanol. International Journal of Heat and Mass Tranter, 49, 2397-2411. 

Suppose we deal with a process in which iron, Fe, has to be used as a reactant, for example, in a reduction reaction. The standard chemical exergy of Fe is 376.4 kj/mol. If we wish to carry out a thermodynamic or exergy analysis of this process, this value is not appropriate. After all, to put the exergy cost of the product, for which Fe was needed as a reactant, in proper perspective, we need to consider all the exergetic costs incurred in order to produce this product all the way from the original natural resources— iron ore and fossil fuel in this example. The production of iron from, for example, the iron ore hematite and coal has a thermodynamic efficiency of about 30% [1], and therefore it is not 376.4 kj/mol Fe that we need to consider... 

Exergy analysis can be used to compare FP-FC systems with rechargeable batteries and combustion engines. Other important aspects, in addition to exergetic efficiency, are environmental impact, safety and life cycle cost. Efficient fuel utilization is particularly important for larger FP-FC systems. For small systems, the energy... 

Kwak H, Lee H, Jung J, Jeon J, Park D (2004) Exergetic and thermoeconomic analysis of a 200-kW phosphoric acid fuel cell plant. Fuel 83 2087-2094. doi 10.1016/j.fuel.2004.04.002... 

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