We propose a unified optimization criterion for energy converters. It represents the best compromise between energy benefits and losses for a specific job and neither an explicit evaluation of entropies nor the consideration of environmental parameters are required. For all considered systems the criterion predicts a performance regime laying between those of maximum efficiency and maximum useful energy. Such regime has been invoked as optimum not only in macroscopic heat engines but also in some molecular motors.

An upper bound for the coefficient of performance (COP) of endoreversible refrigerators which depends only on the ratio $\tau {=T}_c/T_h$ between the cold and hot reservoir temperatures has been elusive to date. We address here this long standing problem by analyzing an endoreversible Carnot refrigerator that operates in conditions of maximum per-unit-time COP. Two novel results are obtained: (1) A long sought $\tau$-dependent upper bound for the COP of refrigerators. (2) A $\tau$-dependent optimum distribution of the heat conductances associated with the coupling between the refrigerant and the heat reservoirs. Moreover, when the method is applied to heat engines, the resulting optimum efficiency is even closer to real efficiencies than the well-known Curzon-Ahlborn result.

The optimum performance of a regenerative Brayton cycle was analyzed. The model includes external and internal irreversibilities coming from four main sources: coupling to external heat reservoirs, turbine and compressor nonisentropic processes, pressure losses in the heater and the cooler, and the regenerator. In terms of the parameters accounting for each type of irreversibility, explicit numerical results are presented for the maximum efficiency, maximum power output, efficiency at maximum power output, power output at maximum efficiency, as well as for the pressure ratios required for maximum efficiency and maximum power. This analysis could provide a general theoretical tool for the optimal design and operation of real regenerative gas turbine power plants.