Abstract
Using the Pontryagin maximum principle we optimize the operating conditions of a model external-combustion engine to obtain maximal efficiency. The model engine consists of a cylinder equipped with a piston containing a gas, pumped with a given time-dependent rate of heating, and coupled to a heat bath. We consider a fully cyclic engine, wherein both the volume and the energy of the working fluid are periodic. Such engines possess a finite optimal compression ratio. The gain in efficiency over nonoptimal paths is significant. We demonstrate the results with a numerical example, and we perform a thermodynamic analysis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 29-33 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Dec 1982 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy