Thermodynamics in Industrial Ecology and Sustainability

Thermodynamics plays a fundamental role in sustainability asit stipulates inviolable limits on all processes. These limits dictate how resources are transformed and hence what resources are required to sustain asystem. This... [ view full abstract ]

Thermodynamics plays a fundamental role in sustainability asit stipulates inviolable limits on all processes. These limits dictate how resources are transformed and hence what resources are required to sustain asystem. This session invites speakers who are studying thermodynamic properties of various systems such as industrial ecosystems, urban systems, coupled industrial and natural systems and ecosystems. The aim is to start a conversation among scientists and practitioners working on thermodynamics of various systems with the goal of developing a consensus on the most suitable thermodynamic approaches for studying complex systems such as industrial ecosystems or urban ecosystems.

Among the various thermodynamic approaches being used tostudy industrial sustainability are the equilibrium approaches of energy andexergy efficiency analysis. These methods are used, variously, to quantify flows,or assess the ratio of desired outputs to undesired wastes. Energy approaches do so in terms of the bulk quantity of flows. Exergy analysis, conversely, examines processes relative to thermodynamic idealizations. By doing so auniversal benchmark is provided for identifying, comparing, and ultimatelyaddressing system losses. Our first set of speakers will be experts in thefield of thermodynamic analysis in industrial ecology.

Non-equilibrium thermodynamic studies of industrial ecologies,conversely, examine system properties for insights into development andsustainability. Industrial ecosystems, urban ecosystems, and natural ecosystemsare all open systems that exist far from equilibrium. While certainly comprisedof equilibrium and quasi-equilibrium processes, the non-equilibrium reality oftheir existence is essential to their long-term dynamics. The second set ofspeakers will explore the non-equilibrium properties of industrial ecologies asthey relate to their use of resources and their sustainability.

Thus, this session envisions to bring together the advanced thermodynamic research in industrial ecology and beyond that will help in establishing consensus on the foundational thermodynamic principles, metrics and modelling approaches for industrial ecology. The aim is to identify the role and path forward for integration of thermodynamics in design of systems and decision making.

Suggested Speakers are:

Topic 1: Thermodynamics in Industrial Ecology

TimGutowski, MIT, USA

EricWilliams, RIT, USA

ReinoutHeijungs, CML, Leiden University, Netherlands

Bhavik R.Bakshi, The Ohio State University, USA

ChrisKennedy, Victoria University, Canada

Topic 2: Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics in IndustrialEcology and Sustainability

DavidBristow, Victoria University, Canada

ShwetaSingh, Purdue University, USA