Abstract: The heating load per unit cost is taken as the thermoeconomic objective function with the cycle model of a class of irreversible three-heat-source heat transformers as the basis. The objective function is used to optimize the performance of the cycle. The effect of internal irreversibility, heat leak and economic parameter on the performance of the cycle is analyzed. The maximum thermoeconomic function and the corresponding performance parameters are obtained by using numerical calculation. The results obtained here provide some valuable guidance for the optimal design and operation of practical systems.

Key words: thermoeconomic objective function, optimal analysis, heat transformer, irreversibility