Resource recovery from residual household waste: An application of exergy flow analysis and exergetic life cycle assessment

摘要: Exergy is based on the Second Law of thermodynamics and can be used to express physical chemical potential provides a unified measure for resource accounting. In this study, exergy analysis was applied four residual household waste management scenarios with focus achieved recovery efficiencies. The calculated efficiencies were compare evaluate applicability exergy-based measures expressing quality optimizing recovery. determined two approaches: (i) flow treatment system under investigation (ii) exergetic life cycle assessment (LCA) using Cumulative Extraction from Natural Environment (CEENE) as method Scenario around 17-27% found (higher associated high levels material recycling), while scenario LCA lay in narrow range 14%. Metal beneficial both types analyses, but had more influence overall efficiency approach, avoided burdens primary metal production much important than content recovered metals. On other hand, plastic highly analysis, rather insignificant LCA. approaches thereby offered different quantitative results well conclusions regarding With respect quality, main challenge use losses proxy losses, not per se correlated functionality material. addition, definition appropriate boundaries critical derived it constrained by limited information available about composition flows secondary processes their interaction or traditional chains. LCA, could reflected savings product substitution consideration waste's upstream burden allowed an evaluation potential. For comprehensive sensitivity accounting should carefully analyzed cumulative consumption complimented impact categories.