Non-flow exergy potential of the near-ground atmosphere with respect to soil in the Evora region (Portugal)

Abstract

The non-flow exergy potential of the near-ground air with respect to soil conditions in the Évora region (Portugal) has been calculated from monthly averaged hourly data of temperature and specific humidity. The results show that the exergy potential is higher when either heating or cooling is most required. Therefore the exergy potential is used to discuss the replacement of the usual heating and cooling devices driven by fuel or electricity by natural ventilation and active and passive heating/cooling systems using the environmental exergy potential. For instance it is found that the exergy potential when used appropriately allows a significantly reduction of the electric power requirements for air conditioning in small scale systems.