This book offers an in-depth thermodynamic analysis of the operation of

the main types of thermal power plants. An exergetic analysis adds to and

substantially enriches the basic energetic approach. The first chapter introduces

the concept of exergy, highlights its subtle nature and develops a

methodology to apply it to the analysis of power plant operation. The following

chapters are a series of monographs devoted to steam plants, gas

turbines, combined cycle plants, internal combustion engines and cogeneration

plants. The systematic and comparative presentation of the energy

and exergy balances of these plants constitutes an original approach which

hopefully will prove of interest.