Finite-time thermodynamic analysis of an irreversible energy converter with internal irreversibilities: (Heat engine, Cooler, and Heat pump)

Abstract

A general model of an irreversible energy converter (IEC) is presented within the context of finite-time thermodynamics, which can be operated as a heat engine, refrigerator, or heat pump. This model can be analyzed considering generalized heat transfer laws of the type $Q=K{(T_{hot}^m-T_{cold}^n)}^N$. Starting from this general model, a relationship is established between the design parameters of an IEC operated as a heat engine with internal and external irreversibilities to find the maximum power, efficiency at the point of maximum power, ecological function, and efficient power. This analysis is also carried out for the IEC operated as a refrigerator and heat pump, where the COP, ecological function, and efficient cooling and heating power are examined, respectively. Finally, we analyze the behavior of the IEC (Heat Engine, Cooler, and Heat Pump) considering the following heat transfer laws: Newton-Fourier, Inverse law, Dulong–Petit law’s ($5/4$, $4/3$, and $3/4$), Stefan–Boltzmann, radiation propagated along a one-dimensional transmission line, and radiation propagated along a two-dimensional surface.