Optimum performance comparison of an intercooled gas turbine cycle under power and power density conditions

In this paper, analytical formulae for the power and power density of an irreversible closed intercooled gas turbine cycle coupled to variable-temperature heat reservoirs are derived according to the theory of thermodynamic optimisation (or finite-time thermodynamics (FTT), or entropy generation minimisation (EGM), or endoreversible thermodynamics) with heat resistance losses in the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers and the intercooler, irreversible compression and expansion losses in the compressors and the turbine, and pressure drop loss in the piping. The intercooling pressure ratio and the heat conductance distributions among the hot- and cold-side heat exchangers and the intercooler are optimised for power and power density objectives, respectively. Optimisation performance comparison under maximum power and maximum power density conditions is carried out.