Thermodynamic optimization of finite time processes

Multi-objective optimization for membrane reactor for steam methane reforming heated by molten salt

An improved irreversible closed modified simple Brayton cycle model with one isothermal heating process is established in this paper by using finite time thermodynamics. The heat reservoirs are variable-temperature ones. The irreversible losses in the compressor, turbine, and heat exchangers are considered. Firstly, the cycle performance is optimized by taking four performance indicators, including the dimensionless power output, thermal efficiency, dimensionless power density, and dimensionless ecological function, as the optimization objectives. The impacts of the irreversible losses on the optimization results are analyzed. The results indicate that four objective functions increase as the compressor and turbine efficiencies increase. The influences of the latter efficiency on the cycle performances are more significant than those of the former efficiency. Then, the NSGA-II algorithm is applied for multi-objective optimization, and three different decision methods are used to select the optimal solution from the Pareto frontier. The results show that the dimensionless power density and dimensionless ecological function compromise dimensionless power output and thermal efficiency. The corresponding deviation index of the Shannon Entropy method is equal to the corresponding deviation index of the maximum ecological function.

https://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/23/3/282/pdf

Four-Objective Optimizations for an Improved Irreversible Closed Modified Simple Brayton Cycle.

Multi-objective optimal configurations of a membrane reactor for steam methane reforming

Abstract A finite source heat engine’s optimal configuration is studied. The model includes thermal resistance, heat leakage, a complex heat transfer law, and a heat source with variable temperature. The optimization objective is that the output work is the largest. The influences of factors such as the heat transfer law and heat leakage are analyzed. The results of this paper are universal and inclusive, and provide certain theoretical support for the performance improvement of actual heat engines.

Optimal Configuration of Finite Source Heat Engine Cycle for Maximum Output Work with Complex Heat Transfer Law

The first paper published as Finite-Time Thermodynamics is from 1977 [...].

R. Berry

Papers

How It All Began.