How is the exergy analysis used to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency in a refinery?

Exergy analysis is a thermodynamic technique used to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency in a refinery by quantifying and locating the irreversibilities, or losses of useful energy, within the process. Unlike energy analysis, which only considers the quantity of energy, exergy analysis considers both the quantity and quality of energy. Exergy is the maximum amount of work that can be obtained from a stream of energy as it comes to equilibrium with its environment. Exergy destruction represents the wasted potential to do work and signifies thermodynamic inefficiencies. A refinery involves many energy transformations and transfers, each with associated losses. Exergy analysis helps pinpoint where these losses are most significant. The exergy analysis process involves several steps. First, a detailed energy balance ....