A comparative performance analysis of an endoreversible heat engine with thermal reservoir of finite heat capacitance under maximum power density and maximum power conditions

SYNOPSIS This paper presents a finite time thermodynamic optimisation based on maximum power density criterion for an endoreversible Carnot heat engine model coupled to variable temperature heat reservoirs. Expressions for the power density and optimal efficiency at maximum power density conditions are derived with heat resistance losses in the hot and cold side heat exchangers. The results obtained are compared with those using the maximum power criterion. The influences of some design parameters on the maximum power density are provided by numerical examples, and the advantages and disadvantages of maximum power density are analysed. Power plant design for maximum power density leads to higher efficiency and smaller size.