Abstract
For any given heat source, only a portion of the
thermal energy may be converted into useful work.
The amount of energy which may be converted from any
form into mechanical energy is referred to as exergy.
The ratio of the system's mechanical work to the
exergy of the heat source is referred to as exergetical or
thermodynamic efficiency.
As heat sources vary in their temperature and
heat exchange process, there is a particular thermodynamic
cycle that best fits each system's border
conditions. The Kalina cycle technology seeks to
develop a set of systems and cycles with which to
optimize a particular heat source; e.g., coal, geothermal,
waste heat, nuclear, etc.
Kalina, A. I.; Leibowitz, H. M. (1987). System Design and Experimental Development of the Kalina Cycle Technology. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92830.