Illustrations towards quantifying the sustainability of technology
Abstract
This paper attempts to quantify the sustainability of
technological processes. It is based on thermodynamics with energy carriers
and materials (products, waste, etc.) expressed in the same
calculable quantity–exergy (Joule). The results have three
considerations. One factor reflects to that extent renewable resources are
used. In addition, the technological efficiency has to be accounted for as
it affects sustainability. Finally, the results take into account the
generation of waste products and the exergy required for converting the
waste into products which are harmless or assimilable in the ecosphere. The
proposed measure of sustainability has been illustrated for two types of
products. In the first illustration,