Energy
A measure of quantity, but not
quality.
Based on the First Law of
Thermodynamics (FLT).
Nonzero in value when in
equilibrium with the
reference environment.
Appears in many forms (e.g.,
kinetic energy, potential energy,
work, heat) and is measured in
that form.
Dependent on properties of
quantity (e.g., matter and energy) quantity (e.g., matter and energy) and
and independent of properties of
a reference environment.
Conserved for all processes, that Conserved for reversible processes
is, can be neither destroyed nor
produced.
Exergy
A measure of quantity and quality.
Based on a combination of the FLT and
the Second Law of Thermodynamics
(SLT).
Zero in value when at the dead state,
that is, in complete equilibrium with the
reference environment.
Appears in many forms (e.g., kinetic
exergy, potential exergy, work, thermal
exergy) and is measured on the basis
of work equivalent or ability to produce
work.
Dependent on both properties of
properties of a reference environment.
and non-conserved for real processes,
that is, can be neither destroyed nor
produced in a reversible process but is
always destroyed (consumed) in an
irreversible process