Exergetic performance optimization for new combined intercooled regenerative Brayton and inverse Brayton cycles

A new configuration of combined intercooled regenerative Brayton and inverse Brayton cycles with regeneration before the inverse cycle is proposed in this paper. By using the exergy analysis, the performance of the new configuration is investigated and optimized. The intercooling pressure ratio is optimized when the total pressure ratio (π) is fixed and π is optimized when it is variable. The effects of the main design parameters on the exergetic performance are analyzed. It is found that the intercooling and regenerative processes are beneficial to increase the exergy efficiency when π varies in a certain range; when the total pressure ratio is relatively high, the consumed work of the compressor is significantly decreased by the intercooling process and the regenerative process will save more fuel when the total pressure ratio is small; and the combustor produces the largest exergy destruction.