The interpretation of available potential energy as exergy applied to layers of a stratified atmosphere

Abstract

It is shown that Van Mieghems available potential energy for the atmosphere can be derived, in a local formulation, from an extension of the concept of exergy. The available potential energy can be interpreted as exergy applied to each layer of a thermally stratified atmosphere. This interpretation allows the application of well-known exergy theorems to the atmosphere and, therefore, deepens the thermodynamic insight in atmospheric energetics.