Optimum criteria based on different pressure ratios of an irreversible intercooled-regenerative-reheat Brayton cycle

An irreversible model of a Brayton cycle, which includes a regenerator, an intercooler, and a reheater, is presented in this paper. The power output and the thermal efficiency are optimized with respect to different pressure ratios and cycle temperatures for a typical set of operating conditions. It is found that there are optimal values of the turbine outlet temperature, reheat, intercooling, and cycle pressure ratios at which the cycle attains the maximum power output and the maximum thermal efficiency. Also, the optimal values of the above-mentioned parameters are different for different parameters. The maximum power point and the maximum efficiency point exist but the power output corresponding to the maximum efficiency is found to be lower than that which can be attained. The optimum criteria for different pressure ratios and the turbine outlet temperature corresponding to maximum power output as well as corresponding to maximum thermal efficiency are obtained and discussed in detail.