The optimal configuration of reciprocating engine based on maximum entransy loss

A class of two-heat-reservoir heat engine model with heat leakage, finite heat capacity high-temperature source and infinite heat capacity low-temperature heat sink, is researched with the finite-time thermodynamic theory and the entransy theory. The optimal configuration based on the minimum entropy generation and the maximum entransy loss under the given cycle is searched, which are compared with the optimal configuration based on the maximum output work, and all the heat transfer in the model is assumed to obey the Newton’s law. The results show that, for the infinite heat capacity high-temperature source, the optimal configuration does not change whether heat leakage exists or not; however, for the finite high-temperature reservoir, the optimal configuration is different among which based on the minimum entropy generation, the maximum entransy loss, and the maximum output work when the heat leakage exists.