Influence of heat- and mass-transfer coupling on the optimal performance of a non-isothermal chemical engine

Abstract

The cyclic model of a non-isothermal chemical engine operated between two reservoirs with different temperatures and chemical potentials is established, in which the irreversibilities resulting from the heat and mass transfer between the working fluid and the reservoirs are taken into account. Expressions for the power output and efficiency of the engine are analytically derived and used to analyze the performance characteristics of the engine at the maximum power output. The general characteristics of the efficiency of the engine are searched in detail. The optimal criteria for some important parameters, such as the power output and efficiency, are obtained and the reasonably operating region of the engine is determined. Some interesting cases are specially discussed. The results obtained here can reveal the performance characteristics of a non-isothermal chemical engine affected by the irreversibilities of heat- and mass-transfer coupling.