Performance analysis and optimization of irreversible Dual–Atkinson cycle engine (DACE) with heat transfer effects under maximum power and maximum power density conditions

•A numerical analysis is performed for irreversible Dual–Atkinson cycle engine.•Effects of heat transfer and combustion constants on performance are examined.•Performances are optimized with respect to the engine design parameters.•The results obtained may be used by the engine designers.

This study presents an analysis considering the effects of heat transfer loss and internal irreversibility due to adiabatic compression and expansion processes on the performance of an irreversible Dual–Atkinson cycle engine (DACE) under non-dimensional maximum power (MP), non-dimensional maximum power density (MPD) and maximum thermal efficiency (MEF) conditions. The effects of the inlet temperature, combustion constant and heat transfer constant on the engine performance are investigated. The results could be used by engine designers to optimize the performance of the internal combustion engines (ICEs).