Optimization of an endoreversible chemical engine based on osmosis

Abstract

Chemical engines, also known as chemical converters, generate work from differences in chemical potential. Chemical potential and mass transfer play roles analogous to temperature and entropy in thermal engines. In this article, an isothermal endoreversible chemical engine based on the osmosis phenomenon is reported. The engine is driven by differences in the solvent chemical potential. The engine is assumed to operate endoreversibly, i.e., the finite-rate mass transfer is the sole irreversibility considered in the model. The optimal initial conditions of the working fluid in the engine, which maximizes the work output, are determined.