Experimental Test of the<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mml:mn>1</mml:mn><mml:mo stretchy="false">/</mml:mo><mml:mi>τ</mml:mi></mml:math>-Scaling Entropy Generation in Finite-Time Thermodynamics
Yuhan Ma, Ruo-Xun Zhai, Jinfu Chen, C. P. Sun, Hui Dong
Abstract
The finite-time dynamics, apart from its fundamental importance in nonequilibrium thermodynamics, is of great significance in designing heat engine cycles. We build an experimental apparatus to test the predicted long-time 1/τ scaling of the irreversible entropy generation in the finite-time (τ) thermodynamic process by compressing dry air in a temperature-controlled water bath. We present the first direct experimental validation of the scaling, utilized in many finite-time thermodynamic models at the long-time regime. The experimental data also demonstrate a clear deviation from the scaling at the short-time regime. We show the optimal control scheme to minimize the irreversible entropy generation in finite-time process. Such optimization shall bring new insight to the practical design of heat engine cycles.