Finite-time thermodynamic modelling and optimization for irreversible Maisotsenko-Atkinson, Dual and Miller cycles

Abstract Maisotsenko-cycle (M-cycle) is an innovative concept for cooling and power plants developed recently, and it can be utilized to construct new cycle configurations. Appling finite-time-thermodynamics and combing with M-cycle concept, establishment of three models for irreversible M-Atkinson-cycle, irreversible M-Dual-cycle and irreversible M-Miller-cycle with internal irreversibility, friction-loss, and heat-transfer loss is performed. Power-output ( P ) and thermal-efficiency ( η ) of the three irreversible M-cycles are analyzed and optimized, the maximum P and the corresponding pressure-ratio and η , the maximum η and the corresponding pressure-ratio and P , and optimum pressure-ratio ranges are yielded. Comparative analyses with conventional irreversible Atkinson-cycle, irreversible Dual-cycle, and irreversible Miller-cycle are also performed. Results include those of three endoreversible M-cycles and reversible M-cycles, and show that for three irreversible M-cycles, both P and η at any pressure-ratio are much higher than those of the corresponding three conventional irreversible cycles, and irreversible M-cycle performances are superior to those of the corresponding three conventional irreversible cycles.