ABSTRACT
In this chapter we make preparations for performing a thermodynamic analysis of a process. The principles of such an analysis are defined first. From the calculation of the minimum, also called the ideal amount of work to perform a certain task, the convenience, not the necessity, of defining the concept of exergy is made plausible. Exergy can have a physical and a chemical component. The quality of the Joule is another convenient concept for a clear analysis and for conclusions on process performance.
