Power Density Optimization of an Irreversible Closed Intercooled Regenerated Brayton Cycle

Finite time thermodynamic theory was applied to the study the performance of an irreversible closed intercooled regenerated Brayton cycle coupled to constant temperature heat reservoirs. The optimal distribution of the heat conductance of the hot-and cold-side heat exchangers, the optimal intercooling pressure ratio, and the optimal total pressure ratio of the cycle were obtained by taking the power density as objective function by using detailed numerical calculation when the total heat exchangers inventory was fixed. The effects of thermodynamic parameters of the cycle, especially the irreversible losses of compressor and turbine, on the maximum power density and the double maximum power density were analyzed.