Optimal analysis on the cyclic performance of a class of chemical pumps

A new cyclic model of a class of chemical pumps affected by the irreversibi lity of mass transfer is set up. With the help of optimal control theory, t he optimal cyclic configuration of the chemical pumps is determined and its fundamental optimal relation is derived. Other optimal performances of the cycle are discussed. The differences between the chemical pump and the che mical engine and between the chemical pump and the conventional heat pump a re compared. The results obtained here can provide some new theoretical ins tructions for the optimal design of a class of apparatus such as mass excha ngers, as well as electrochemical, photochemical, and solid-state devices, the fuel pumps for solar-energy conversion systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.