On the Efficiency for Non-Endoreversible Stirling and Ericsson Cycles

Abstract

An analysis of the Stirling and Ericsson cycles from the point of view of the finite time thermodynamics is made by assuming the existence of internal irreversibilities in an engine modeled by these cycles, and the ideal gas as working substance is considered. Expressions of efficiency in both regimes maximum power output and maximum ecological function are also shown. Appropriate variables are introduced so that the objective functions, namely power output, ecological function and efficiency can be functions of the reservoirs temperatures ratio and certain “measurable” parameters as a thermal conductance, the general constant of gases and the compression ratio of the cycle. Several results from the finite time thermodynamics literature are used, so that the developed methodology leads directly to appropriate expressions of the objective functions in order to simplify the optimization process.