Performance optimization for a generalized irreversible four-mass-reservoir diffusion transformer

Abstract

A new cyclic model of a four-mass-reservoir diffusion transformer with irreversible mass transfer, mass leakage, and internal dissipation is established in this paper. The optimal relation between the coefficient of performance (COP) and the rate of energy pumping of the generalized irreversible four-mass-reservoir diffusion transformer is derived by using finite-time thermodynamics. The maximum COP and the corresponding rate of energy pumping, as well as the maximum rate of energy pumping and the corresponding COP, are also obtained. Moreover, the influences of these irreversibilities on the optimal performance of the four-mass-reservoir diffusion transformer are revealed. It is found that the mass leakage affects the optimal performance both qualitatively and quantitatively, whereas the internal dissipation affects the optimal performance quantitatively. The results obtained herein can provide some new theoretical guidance for the optimal design and development of a class of four-mass-reservoir diffusion transformers.