Exergy and the Hubbert peak. Assessment of the scarcity of minerals on earth

Abstract:

This paper demonstrates how thermodynamics and in particular the exergy analysis can help to assess the degradation degree of resources, which constitutes essential information for achieving sustainable development. It presents a mathematical model for the application of the Hubbert peak to the production of fuel and non-fuel mineral resources in terms of its exergy content. The model is applied as a case study to the main minerals produced in Australia. The results show that the peak year of production of most minerals in that country has already arrived. Moreover, in year 2050, the peak of all mineral commodities analyzed will have been reached, and about 64% of Australian mineral reserves will be depleted. Copyright © 2008 by ASME.

Año de publicación:

2009

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus