Performance optimization of a class of finite time heat engines

The effect of heat resistance and heat leakage on the optimal performance of finite time heat engines is investigated in this paperbased on a generalized heat transfer law q proportional to Delta(T-n). The analytical relation between optimal power output and efficiency for steady-state flow irreversible heat engines is derived. The analysis includes the optimal performance characteristics of several types of heat engines with different loss item and different heat transfer laws. A numerical example is provided for illustrating the power output versus efficiency characteristics. Results shown that the heat transfer law does affect the performance of these heat engines.