Models for optimum thermo-ecological criteria of actual thermal cycles

Abstract

In this study, the ecological optimization point of irreversible thermal cycles (refrigerator, heat pump, and power cycles) was investigated. The importance of ecological optimization is to propose a way to use fuels and energy source more efficiently because of an increasing energy need and environmental pollution. It provides this by maximizing obtained (or minimizing supplied) work and minimizing entropy generation for irreversible (actual) thermal cycles. In this research, ecological optimization was defined for all basic irreversible thermal cycles, by using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Finally, the ecological optimization was defined in thermodynamic cycles and results were given to show the effects of the cycles' ecological optimization point, efficiency, coefficient of performance, and power output (or input), and exergy destruction.