Optimal configuration of heat engines for maximum power output with generalised radiative heat transfer law

SYNOPSIS

The optimal configuration of a class of endoreversible heat engines with generalised radiative heat transfer law [q ∝ Δ(Tⁿ)] has been determined by this paper. The optimal cycle that maximises the power output of the engine has been obtained using optimal-control theory and the differential equations are solved by Taylor series expansion. It is shown that the optimal cycle for maximum power output has six branches including two isothermal branches and four maximum-power branches, without adiabatic branches. The interval of each branch has been obtained, as well as the solutions of the temperatures of heat reservoirs and working fluid. Numerical examples for the optimal configurations with n = −1, n = 1, n = 2, n = 3 and n = 4 respectively, are given. The results obtained are compared with each other and with those results obtained with a fixed compression ratio constraint for maximum power output.