Internal temperature elevation of a closed power cycle's input heat resulting from differentials in excess enthalpies of solution

Abstract

A closed power cycle using a supercritical solvent and solid solute as its working fluid is described. The difference in excess enthalpies of solution between high and low solvent densities caused by retrograde solubility in the supercritical region serves to internally elevate the temperature of a portion of the cycle's Q1 heat input before that energy affects gas expansion. The effect this internal temperature elevation has on cycle efficiency poses a dilemma for accepted definitions of the second law of thermodynamics.