Advanced low exergy (ADLOWEX) modeling and analysis of a building from the primary energy transformation to the environment

•Proposing the ADLOWEX analysis method as a combined concept for the first time.•Determining endogenous and exogenous exergy destruction values of the whole system.•Determining that 67.2% of the improvement potential is exogenous.•Being the maximum improvement potential rate due to the distribution stage.•Deducting inefficiencies in the building heating system states for improvements.

The main objective of the present study is to model, analyze and assess a building heating system along with its main components through advanced low exergy method. This method is shortly called ADLOWEX and combines advanced exergy (AD) with low exergy (LOWEX) for the first time by the authors. In the ADLOWEX analysis method, a building heating system is investigated from the energy production to the building envelope by dividing exergy destructions into four basic parts, namely endogenous, exogenous, avoidable and unavoidable exergy destruction rates first. The mexogenous exergy destructions for all components are determined. The endogenous and exogenous exergy destructions of the system are 27% and 73% while the avoidable and unavoidable exergy destructions are 26.2% and 73.8%, respectively.