Angular speed-dependent performance of generalized irreversible Carnot engine

Abstract

On the basis of a generalized irreversible Carnot engine model with the losses of heat resistance, heat leakage and internal irreversibility, the angular speed-dependent performance of the engine is analyzed and optimized with Newton’s heat transfer law <i style="">Q</i><img src='/image/spc_char/alpha.gif' border=0> A(<i style="">T</i>) between the working fluid and the heat reservoirs. The relations among the dimensionless power output, efficiency and the angular speed of the heat engine, the optimal angular speed corresponding to the maximum power output and the maximum efficiency are derived. Numerical examples show the effects of the heat leakage and the internal irreversibility on the angular speed-dependent performance of the engine. The results can provide guidelines for selecting appropriate working point of heat engines.