99/03429 Particle triboelectrification and its use in the electrostatic separation process

Abstract

A geothermally powered, low temperature Rankine cycle used to operate a conventional mechanical compression air conditioning cycle is analysed using a finite-time thermodynamic approach to determine the optimum performance of such a system. The system is considered to be endoreversible. That is, the only irreversibilities are those associated with the heat transfers between the system and the surrounding thermal reservoirs. This approach provides a more conservative prediction of the performance than does the Carnot theoretical heat engine and air conditioning unit.