Energy quality the contrast between different
forms of energy, the different
trophic levels in
ecological systems and the propensity of energy to convert from one form to another. The concept refers to our empirical experience of the characteristics, or qualia, of different energy forms as they
flow and transform. It appeals to our common
perception of the
heat value, versatility, and environmental performance of different energy forms and the way a small increment in energy flow can sometimes produce a large transformation effect on both energy
physical state and
energy. For example the transition from a
solid state to
liquid may only involve a very small addition of energy. Methods of evaluating energy quality are sometimes concerned to develop a system of ranking energy qualities in
hierarchical order, however the relation between these points of view and those used in the analysis of
power quality are unknown.
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Ability of a form of energy to do useful work. High-temperature heat and the chemical energy in fossil fuels and nuclear fuels are concentrated high quality energy. Low-quality energy such as low-temperature heat is dispersed or diluted and cannot do much useful work.
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