Power density optimization of an irreversible closed intercooled regenerated Brayton cycle coupled to variable-temperature heat reservoirs

The theory of finite time thermodynamics (FTT) being used, the analytical formula about power density, which is defined as the ratio of the output power of the real closed intercooled regenerated Brayton cycle of gas, turbines and the maximum specific volume, is derived. The formula is common and it can be transformed into ones of various simple relatively Brayton cycles under the various conditions. Taking dimensionless power density as the objective function, the optimization distribution of the intercooling pressure ratio and the heat conductance of the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers is performed. The new result is found that there is no global optimization result in engineering. The optimization result of the heat conductance distribution of the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers and the intercooling pressure ratio and total pressure ratio is obtained by detailed numerical calculation when the heat conductance distributions of the intercooler and regenerator are given. The effectiveness of the parameters of the cycle to the optimization result is analyzed, respectively. The volume of the gas turbine plant is reduced remarkably and the power decreases slightly simultaneously. The compromise between the power and the volume of the plant is achieved.