In the Petschek-type reconnection model the main energy conversion process occurs inside the layer of MHD wave modes- the reconnection layer. Here we analyse the flow and distribution of energy inside this layer for a specific combination of MHD wave modes, which includes slow shocks. To illustrate the energy flow at the Earth's dayside magnetopause, we compare the predicted structure of the reconnection layer with a data example and use the measured parameter values in the magnetosheath and magnetosphere inflow regions to infer the energy flow inside the reconnection layer.