The available-enthalpy (flow-exergy) cycle. Part-I: introduction and basic equations

Abstract

A diagnostic package is derived from the concept of specific available enthalpy, leading to the definition of a local and complete energy cycle. It is useful to understand the transformations of energy occurring at any particular pressure level or pressure layer of a limited area domain. The global version of this diagnostic tool is very similar to the cycle of Lorenz, but the local counterpart contains several additional terms, with zonal, eddy and static-stability components close to definitions already given by Pearce. The new cycle takes into account the flow of energy components across the vertical and horizontal boundaries, with additional conversion terms involving potential energy, leading to accurate computations of dissipation and generation terms obtained as residuals. A new accurate temporal scheme is proposed in order to allow use of a large time interval in future numerical applications. Finally, comments are made on the arbitrary choice for two constant reference values for pressure and temperature.