Optimal performance of a generalized Carnot cycle for another linear heat transfer law

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Abstract
The optimal performance of an engine operating between a finite high‐temperature source and an infinite low‐temperature reservoir is studied. It is assumed that there exists only the irreversibility of heat conduction in the cycle and heat transfer obeys another linear law [i.e., the heat‐flux q∝Δ(1/T)] instead of Newton’s law. It is shown that the optimal configuration of the cycle is composed of two adiabatic processes and two isoheat‐flux processes in which the difference of the reciprocal temperature of the working fluid and reservoirs must be maintained constant. Moreover, the relation between the optimal power output and the efficiency of such a cycle is derived, and some new results are deduced from it. The results are compared with the optimal performance of a generalized Carnot cycle for Newton’s heat transfer law. Consequently, the common character and the main difference of a generalized Carnot cycle for the two different heat transfer laws are expounded.