MAXIMUM POWER AND THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF AN IRREVERSIBLE POWER CYCLE

A simple Carnot-like irreversible power cycle is modeled with two isot hermal and two adiabatic, irreversible processes. The generic source o f internal irreversibility, deduced from the Clausius inequality, prod uces entropy at a rate proportional to the external heat conductance a nd the engine temperature ratio. This cycle is optimized for maximum p ower and maximum efficiency, and its performances compared to those of the endoreversible cycle, based on typical heat source and heat sink temperatures. Both cycles produce maximum power at the same engine tem perature ratio, but the irreversible cycle prediction of maximum effic iency and heat conductance allocation between steam boiler and condens er, appear to be not only more realistic, but also more relevant to ac tual design considerations of power plants. (C) 1995 American Institut e of Physics.