On a finite-time optimization of coupled electric engines by using a freedom degrees reduction procedure

Abstract

When dealing with physical processes involving two or more control variables, it is desirable to reduce the freedom degrees down to an amount that clarify the calculations and comprehension of such a system. One way to achieve this goal is to optimize with respect to one or several variables in order to find optimal relationships between those variables. In this paper we use optimal relationships between intensive variables that had already been found in the optimization of arrays of coupled endoreversible chemical and electric engines by means of several optimization criteria stemming from finite-time thermodynamics. This procedure is applied to analyse the thermoeconomic performance of this kind of processes in terms of an only independent variable. Furthermore, the operation of these arrays under new operating regimes was studied, whose optimum performance conditions also can be obtained applying the same methodology, because they meet the same relationship.