Thermoeconomical optimization of an endoreversible power plant model

By means of a finite-time thermodynamics formalism we analyze the performance of an endoreversible power plant model under thermoeconomical criteria. This is accomplished by using the concept of the profit function defined in terms of the performing costs of the plant. Our study is based upon two optimization criteria: the maximun power regime, and the so-called modified ecological regime. We show, that under ecological conditions, the plant dramatically reduces the rejected heat to the environment. We also show that maximizing thermodynamical and economical quantities, it is possible to settle the basis for an ecological tax designed according to the way of operation of a power plant.