Optimization techniques are, in general, still not used today in the design and performance analysis of thermal systems and their components. The engineer’s search for the best system configuration is based solely on rules-of-thumb and not on a systematic, analytical determination of what the optimal design or performance should be. In addition, economic factors are not directly tied to thermodynamic ones; therefore, the economic ramifications of thermodynamic changes to the system are not usually, if ever, immediately apparent. A general analytical approach that directly determines the optimum thermodynamic and econmic behavior of thermal systems is discussed and illustrated using Rankine cycles. Utilizing the Second Law and typical Second Law costing techniques, this method provides for the creation of mathematical models that balance a cycle’s operating costs and capital expenditures. Such models can be solved numerically, subject to various constraints, for the optimum design and performance of thermal systems.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
January 1990
Research Papers
The Design and Performance Optimization of Thermal Systems
M. R. von Spakovsky,
M. R. von Spakovsky
E´cole Polytechnique Fe´de´rale de Lausanne, De´partment de Me´canique, Laboratoire d’e´nerge´tique industrielle, Lausanne, Switzerland
Search for other works by this author on:
R. B. Evans
R. B. Evans
Georgia Institute of Technology, The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332
Search for other works by this author on:
M. R. von Spakovsky
E´cole Polytechnique Fe´de´rale de Lausanne, De´partment de Me´canique, Laboratoire d’e´nerge´tique industrielle, Lausanne, Switzerland
R. B. Evans
Georgia Institute of Technology, The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. Jan 1990, 112(1): 86-93 (8 pages)
Published Online: January 1, 1990
Article history
Received:
August 26, 1988
Online:
April 24, 2008
Citation
von Spakovsky, M. R., and Evans, R. B. (January 1, 1990). "The Design and Performance Optimization of Thermal Systems." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. January 1990; 112(1): 86–93. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2906482
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Numerical Analysis of High Frequency Transverse Instabilities in a Can-Type Combustor
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power
Analysis of Unburned Methane Emission Mechanisms in Large-Bore Natural Gas Engines with Prechamber Ignition
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power
Development and Evaluation of Generic Test Pieces for Creep Property Assessment of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Components
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (September 2024)
Multidisciplinary Design Methodology for Micro-Gas-Turbines—Part II: System Analysis and Optimization
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (October 2024)
Related Articles
Search for an Optimum in Thermal Systems and Processes
J. Heat Mass Transfer (May,2023)
Direct Method to Maximize Net Power Output of Rankine Cycle in Low-Grade Thermal Energy Conversion
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (June,2010)
Theoretical Analysis of Rankine Cycle Operating With Zeotropic Mixtures of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrocarbons
J. Energy Resour. Technol (June,2022)
On the Merkel Equation: Novel ε-Number of Transfer Unit Correlations for Indirect Evaporative Cooler Under Different Lewis Numbers
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (December,2017)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
The Design of LQR and Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Thermal System with Large Time Delay
Proceedings of the 2010 International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technologies (MIMT 2010)
Introduction
Consensus on Operating Practices for the Sampling and Monitoring of Feedwater and Boiler Water Chemistry in Modern Industrial Boilers (CRTD-81)
Performance Characteristics of Combined Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal System for Brackish Water Desalination
Inaugural US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference-Renewable Energy 2009 (UECTC 2009 Proceedings)