Optimal control for maximum power in thermal and chemical systems

This research treats power optimization for energy converters, such like thermal, solar and chemical engines. Thermodynamic analyses lead to converter´s efficiency and limiting power. Steady and dynamic systems are investigated. Static optimization of steady systems applies the differential calculus or Lagrange multipliers, dynamic optimization of unsteady systems uses variational calculus and dynamic programming. The primary result of the first is the limiting value of power, whereas that of the second is a total generalized work potential. The generalizing quantity depends on thermal coordinates and a dissipation index, h, i.e. the Hamiltonian of the problem of minimum entropy production. It implies stronger bounds on work delivered or supplied than the classical work of thermodynamics.