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Overview
Exergy is measuring the amount of work capacity, i.e. the amount of energy that can do work. It has been introduced by the author to apply this concept in ecology, where it can be used as an ecological indicator for ecosystem health assessment. This will be presented in the book with illustrative examples. Also how it is possible to define a special ecological exergy concept and calculate the exergy for ecosystems or rather for models of ecosystems.The use of exergy and an introduced fourth law of thermodynamics make it possible to understand ecosystem reactions and how ecosystem can growth in three different forms (by biomass, by complexity of network and by information). It is by this analysis also clear why ecosystems are sustainable systems and what characteristic properties ecosystem have to ensure the sustainability. A parallel from ecosystems to the society makes it possible to formulate the same rules (laws) for the society. We can also use the concept of exergy as an society health indicators measuring the degree of sustainability of the society. Examples from society will be applied to illustrate the application of exergy and deduced ecological rules (laws) for understanding of the society.Synopsis
Exergy is measuring the amount of work capacity, i.e. the amount of energy that can do work. It has been introduced by the author to apply this concept in ecology, where it can be used as an ecological indicator for ecosystem health assessment. This will be presented in the book with illustrative examples. Also how it is possible to define a special ecological exergy concept and calculate the exergy for ecosystems or rather for models of ecosystems.
The use of exergy and an introduced fourth law of thermodynamics make it possible to understand ecosystem reactions and how ecosystem can growth in three different forms (by biomass, by complexity of network and by information). It is by this analysis also clear why ecosystems are sustainable systems and what characteristic properties ecosystem have to ensure the sustainability. A parallel from ecosystems to the society makes it possible to formulate the same rules (laws) for the society. We can also use the concept of exergy as an society health indicators measuring the degree of sustainability of the society. Examples from society will be applied to illustrate the application of exergy and deduced ecological rules (laws) for understanding of the society.ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
The book clearly describes the basic concepts of thermal conversion of solid fuels and the contents are well-organized. The document is easy to read and it is well-written. Due to the current interest in 'alternate thermal conversion systems' for the management of municipal solid waste or its different fractions, this publication is very timely and should be read by all of those who are interested in having a thorough understanding of thermal conversion of solid fuels.