Maximum power, ecological function and efficiency of an irreversible Carnot cycle. A cost and effectiveness optimization

Abstract

In this work we include, for the Carnot cycle, irreversibilities of linear finite rate of heat transfers between the heat engine and its reservoirs, heat leak between the reservoirs and internal dissipations of the working fluid. A first optimization of the power output, the efficiency and ecological function of an irreversible Carnot cycle, with respect to: internal temperature ratio, time ratio for the heat exchange and the allocation ratio of the heat exchangers; is performed. For the second and third optimizations, the optimum values for the time ratio and internal temperature ratio are substituted into the equation of power and, then, the optimizations with respect to the cost and effectiveness ratio of the heat exchangers are performed. Finally, a criterion of partial optimization for the class of irreversible Carnot engines is herein presented. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Física.