Power Density Optimization for an Irreversible Closed Brayton Cycle

In this paper, the power density, defined as the ratio of power output to the maximum specific volume in the cycle, is taken as objective for performance optimization of an irreversible closed Brayton cycle coupled to constant-temperature heat reservoirs in the viewpoint of finite time thermodynamics (FTT) or entropy generation minimization (EGM). The analytical formulas about the relations between power density and pressure ratio are derived with the heat resistance losses in the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers and the irreversible compression and expansion losses in the compressor and turbine. The maximum power density optimization is performed by searching the optimum heat conductance distribution corresponding to the optimum power density of the hot- and cold- side heat exchangers for the fixed heat exchanger inventory. The influence of some design parameters on the optimum heat conductance distribution, the maximum power density, and the optimum pressure ratio corresponding to the maximum power density are provided. The power plant design with optimization leads to a higher efficiency and smaller size including the compressor, turbine, and the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers.