Exergy is used as a common currency to assess and compare the reservoirs of theoretically extractable work we call
energy resources. Resources consist of matter or energy with properties different from the predominant conditions in the
environment. These differences can be classified as physical, chemical, or nuclear exergy.
This paper identifies the primary
exergy reservoirs that supply exergy to the biosphere and quantifies the intensive and extensive exergy of their derivative
secondary reservoirs, or resources. The interconnecting accumulations and flows among these reservoirs are illustrated to
show the path of exergy through the terrestrial system from input to its eventual natural or anthropogenic destruction. The
results are intended to assist in evaluation of current resource utilization, help guide fundamental research to enable
promising new energy technologies, and provide a basis for comparing the resource potential of future energy options that
is independent of technology and cost.
r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
see file:
QuantifyingGlobalExergyResources.pdf
