Irreversible Carnot problem of maximum work in finite time via Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman theory (Q1385255)

An irreversible extension of the Carnot problem of maximum mechanical work delivered from a system of two fluids with different temperatures is analyzed. We conisder the active heat exchange between the fluid of a limited thermal capacity and an ambient or environmental fluid whose thermal capacity is no large that its intensive parameters do not change. A novel approach is worked out based on the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for the dissipative exergy and related work functionals (HJB theory). It is pointed out that only an irreversible process can be optimal for a finite duration. A link is shown between the process duration, dissipation and optimal intensity measured in terms of a Hamiltonian. A decrease of maximal work received from an engine system and an increase of minimal work added to a heat pump system is shown in the high-rate regimes and for short durations. The results prove that bounds of the classical availability should be replaced by stronger bounds obtained for finite time processes.