The Zilch cycle in the context of finite-time thermodynamics: Efficiency and power output

The primary objective of the present study is to examine the Zilch cycle from a finite-time thermodynamics perspective. A modification of the original cycle is proposed by explicitly including the difference between working temperatures and heat source temperatures. Expressions of power output and cycle efficiency are constructed with neutral variables defined as ratios between working and temperature sources. To simplify the obtained expressions for power and efficiency, appropriate restrictions are imposed to find physical existence regions. The results show the viability of the procedures used and show that the cycle studied can serves as a theoretical model for heat regeneration plants. It is concluded that it is possible to successfully describe the behavior of regeneration plants by describing power and efficiency dynamics. © 2021 Centro de Informacion Tecnologica. All rights reserved.