Abstract
A finite-time thermodynamic analysis based on a new kind of optimization criterion has been carried out for an endoreversible and regenerative Joule-Brayton power cycle coupled with variable temperature thermal reservoirs. The optimal performance and design parameters that maximize the ecological function are investigated. In this context, the optimal temperatures of the working fluid, the optimum power output, the optimum thermal efficiency, and the optimum second-law efficiency are determined in terms of technical parameters. Results are reported for the effect of regeneration, hot-cold temperature ratio, and the number of heat transfer units in hot and cold exchangers on the optimal performance parameters. The power and efficiency at maximum ecological function are found to be less than the maximum power and Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency. Power output increases significantly with increasing hot-cold side temperature ratio. However, it slightly increased as the number of heat transfer units in the regenerator increases. The optimization of ecological function leads to the improvement in exergetic efficiency and thermal efficiency, especially for low hot-cold side temperature ratios. Moreover, the thermal efficiency at maximum ecological function is less than the average of the finite time or maximum power efficiency and reversible Carnot efficiency.