Maximum work output of multistage continuous Carnot heat engine system with finite reservoirs of thermal capacity and radiation between heat source and working fluid

Abstract

Optimal temperature profile for maximum work output of multistage continuous Carnot heat engine system with two reservoirs of finite thermal capacity is determined. The heat transfer between heat source and the working fluid obeys radiation law and the heat transfer between heat sink and the working fluid obeys linear law. The solution is obtained by using optimal control theory and pseudo-Newtonian heat transfer model. It is shown that the temperature of driven fluid monotonically decreases with respect to flow velocity and process duration. The maximum work is obtained. The obtained results are compared with those obtained with infinite low temperature heat sink.