Methods for the thermodynamic analysis of the actual cycles of thermal power plants

The concept of barergy, introduced in earlier studies (Nikitin, 1969, 1970), has many of the characteristics of exergy, while providing a more convenient way to evaluate the efficiency characteristics of the heat transfer agent and heat fluxes under constant pressure. The barergic approach proposed here opens up new possibilities in the optimum design of heat engines with isobaric heat transfer. The similarities and differences between barergy and exergy are examined.