ENERGY NETWORK
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1091 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
The pathways and circuits covered by an energy flow in a system or set of systems.
The concept has been introduced by H. ODUM (1971).
As explained earlier by A. LOTKA high quality energy entering a set of interconnected systems becomes degraded by stages, while part of it may be recycled in some sections. As stated by R.N. ADAMS: “There is an energy cost of every activity, act, and event” (1988, p.35).
ODUM proposed “energy network diagrams” as a representation of energy networks: “Flows of energy move from the sources, usually drawn on the left along pathways lines to the right. We refer to these flows as moving from upstream to downstream when they move from source towards sink. In energy circuit language, the simple arrow is used to indicate the direction of the driving force”. ODUM created a number of graphic symbols to describe the various transformations incurred by the energy flow: Source, passive storage, heat sink, potential generating work, cycling receptor (or, module), work gate, self maintenance, switch, transaction constant, gain amplifier, active impedance, one way valve and adding junction (p.37-38).