The ecological optimisation of a generalised irreversible Carnot engine for a generalised heat transfer law

Abstract

SYNOPSIS The optimal ecological performance of a generalised irreversible Carnot engine with the losses of heat-resistance, heat leak and internal irreversibility, in which the transfer between the working fluid and the heat reservoirs obeys a generalised heat transfer law Q ∝ (ΔT)n, is derived by taking an ecological optimisation criterion as the objective, which consists of maximising a function representing the best compromise between the power output and entropy production rate of the heat engine. Some special examples are discussed. A numerical example is given to show the effects of heat transfer law, heat leakage and internal irreversibility on the optimal performance of the generalised irreversible heat engine. The results can provide some theoretical guidance for the designs of practical engines.