Heat engines at optimal power: Low-dissipation versus endoreversible model.

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Finite-time thermodynamics investigates the performance of heat engines operating under realistic, time-constrained conditions.
• The low-dissipation and endoreversible models are foundational frameworks for analyzing heat engine efficiency and power output.
• Understanding model equivalences is crucial for developing more efficient energy conversion systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance characteristics of the low-dissipation and endoreversible heat engine models.
• To identify any fundamental equivalences between these models when operating at optimal power output.
• To contribute to the theoretical understanding of machines within the field of finite-time thermodynamics.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of theoretical performance metrics for both models.
• Focus on conditions yielding optimal power output.
• Examination of the linear response regime to identify fundamental relationships.

Main Results:

• The study reveals a basic equivalence between the low-dissipation and endoreversible models.
• This equivalence is specifically demonstrated within the linear response regime.
• Performance characteristics under optimal power output are directly compared.

Conclusions:

• The identified equivalence simplifies the theoretical landscape of finite-time heat engine models.
• Findings suggest that under specific conditions, these distinct models behave identically.
• This research provides a more unified perspective on heat engine performance in finite time.