Performance analysis of endoreversible combined Carnot cycles based on new maximum efficient power (MEP) approach

Abstract

The efficient power, defined as the product of power output and efficiency of the engine, is taken as the objective for performance analysis and optimization of an endoreversible combined Carnot heat engine model in the viewpoint of finite time thermodynamics (FTT) or entropy generation minimization (EGM). The effects of finite-rate heat transfer, cycle temperature ratio and thermal-conduction parameters are considered in the analysis. The obtained results are compared with those obtained using maximum power (MP) and maximum power density (MPD) criterion. The design parameters for the optimal performances were derived analytically, and the effects of cycle temperature ratio and thermal conductance on it are investigated. The engines designed at MEP approach are more efficient and smaller than those designed at MP and MPD conditions.