Performance analysis of a novel eco‐friendly internal combustion engine cycle

The Miller cycle applications have been performed to diminish NO_x released from internal combustion engines (ICEs), in recent years. The Miller cycle provides decreased compression ratio and enhanced expansion ratio; hereby, maximum in‐cylinder combustion temperatures diminish, and NO_x formations slow down remarkably. Another less‐known method is Takemura cycle application, which provides heat addition into engine cylinder at constant combustion temperatures. In this study, a novel cycle including the Miller cycle and the Takemura cycle has been developed by using novel numerical models and computing methods with seven processes and a novel way to decrease NO_x emissions at higher levels compared with the single applications of known cycles. A comprehensive performance examination of the proposed cycle engine in terms of performance characteristics such as effective power (EFP), effective power density (EFPD), exergy destruction (X), exergy efficiency (ε), and ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) has been conducted. The impacts of engine operating and design parameters on the performance characteristics have been computationally examined. Furthermore, irreversibilities depending on incomplete combustion loss (INCL), exhaust output loss (EXOL), heat transfer loss (HTRL), and friction loss (FRL) have been considered in the performance simulations. The minimum exergy destruction and maximum performance specifications have been observed with 30 of the compression ratio. Maximum effective power values have been obtained at range between 1 and 1.2 of equivalence ratio. The optimum range for exergy efficiency is between 0.8 and 1 of equivalence ratio. Increasing engine speed has provided enhancing effective power. However, an optimum range has been found for the exergy efficiency that is interval of 3000 to 4000 rpm. The results obtained can be assessed by researchers studying on modeling of the engine systems and designs.     

A universal expression for optimum specific work of reciprocating heat engines having endoreversible carnot efficiencies

Irreversible heat transfer (finite time) analysis is used to obtain the optimum thermodynamic specific work potential at maximum power for various practical reciprocating cycles having endoreversible Carnot efficiencies. The theory of finite‐time thermodynamics for reciprocating endoreversible cycles with heat transfer irreversibilities gives rise to an optimum efficiency at maximum power output, of η=1−(T_L/T_H)^0·5 for Carnot‐like cycles in contrast to the upper limit for Carnot‐like cycles of η=1−(T_L/T_H) obtained from infinite‐time thermodynamics. It is shown here that, additionally, for this same general family of regenerative reciprocating cycles which includes the Stirling, the Ericsson and the reciprocating Carnot cycle, the finite‐time optimum specific work output at maximum power, (w_opt), is exactly half of that obtained for infinite‐time reversible cycles (Carnot work, w_rev) operating between the same temperature limits (i.e., w_opt=½w_rev). To accomplish this, the analysis makes use of time symmetry to minimize overall cycle time and to thus optimize net cycle power. Based on linear heat transfer laws, the expression for optimum specific work is shown to be independent of heat conductances. Moreover, this optimum specific work output is the same expression for all of the members of this family of cycles. This analysis makes use of the ideal gas model with constant specific heats, though the results are shown to be universal for the Carnot cycle for vapours and real gases. A sample calculation is given which shows that while operating under the same optimized conditions, the endoreversible Stirling engine will have the same thermal efficiency as the endoreversible Ericsson, but will have a higher optimum power output. The optimum power of the reciprocating endoreversible Carnot engine will be superior to both. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermodynamic analysis and parametric study of an intercooled–reheat closed-cycle gas turbine on the basis of a new isentropic exponent

The thermodynamic analysis and parametric study of an intercooled–reheat closed-cycle gas turbine is presented in this paper, on the basis of a new (harmonic mean) isentropic exponent. An analytical expression is derived for the optimum pressure ratio and maximum non-dimensional net work output. It is found that the optimum pressure ratio and the maximum non-dimensional net work are high when the ratio of extreme temperatures of cycle (i.e. T _max and T _min) and isentropic efficiencies of compressor and turbine (i.e. η_c and η_t) are high. The theoretical results are also compared with the practical conditions of power plant.     

Analytical and Level Set Method-Based Numerical Study for Two-Phase Stratified Flow in a Pipe

A nondimensional analytical study for fully developed and three-dimensional numerical study of developing viscosity stratified flow is presented, at various values of viscosity ratio η, inlet area fraction of the less viscous fluid α _1,in , and Reynolds number. With increasing α _1,in , a change in the trend of axial variation in interface–from inlet to the fully developed region–is found at α _1,in  = α _1,in,c . With increasing η, development length is found to asymptotically decrease for α _1,in  = 0.2 and increase for α _1,in  = 0.5 and 0.8. A physical model for flow development is also presented for single- and two-fluid flow. A favorable operating condition to reduce the cost of transportation of more viscous fluids by pipe is proposed.     

Optimal design of gas turbine CHP plant with preheater and HRSG

Located in the south of Iran, Jiroft Paper Mill Company requires an integrated combined heat and power plant, which can provide 50 MW of electric power and 100 ton h^?1 saturated steam at 13 bar, to produce paper from an adjacent eucalyptus forest. The plant is composed of an air compressor, combustion chamber, air preheater, turbine, as well as a heat recovery steam generator. The design parameters of the plant were chosen as: compressor pressure ratio (r_c), compressor isentropic efficiency (η_AC), gas turbine isentropic efficiency (η_T), combustion chamber inlet temperature (T₃), and turbine inlet temperature (T₄). In order to optimally find the design parameters a thermoeconomic approach has been followed. An objective function representing the total cost of the plant in terms of dollar per second was defined as the sum of the operating cost related to the fuel consumption and the capital investment for equipment purchase and maintenance costs. Subsequently, different parts of the objective function have been expressed in terms of decision variables. Finally, the optimal values of decision variables were obtained by minimizing the objective function using sequential quadratic programming. The influence of changes in the demanded power and steam on the design parameters has also been studied for 40, 50, 60, and 70 MW of net power output, and 100, 120, and 150 ton h^?1 of saturated steam mass flow rate. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of change in design parameters with change in fuel or investment cost was performed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimal design of the regenerative gas turbine engine with isothermal heat addition

A regenerative gas turbine engine, with isothermal heat addition, working under the frame of a Brayton cycle has been analyzed. With the purpose of having a more efficient small-sized gas turbine engine, the optimization has been carried out numerically using the maximum power (MP) and maximum power density (MPD) method. The effects of internal irreversibilities have been considered in terms of the isentropic efficiencies of the turbine and compressor and of the regenerator efficiency. The results summarized by figures show that the regenerative gas turbine engine, with isothermal heat addition, designed according to the maximum power density condition gives the best performance and exhibits highest cycle efficiencies.     

Efficiency of an Otto engine under alternative power optimizations

The proper optimization criterion to be chosen for the optimum design of the heat engines may differ depending on their purposes and working conditions. In this study, a comparative performance analysis is carried out for a reversible Otto cycle based on three alternative performance criteria namely maximum power (mp), maximum power density (mpd) and maximum efficient power (mep). The power density criterion is defined as the power per minimum specific volume in the cycle and the efficient power criterion is defined as multiplication of the power by the efficiency of the Otto cycle. Maximizing the efficient power gives a compromise between power and efficiency. Three different objective functions are defined and maximization of these functions is carried out under different design parameters of the Otto engine. The variations of power, power density and efficient power outputs are derived and presented with respect to the thermal efficiency of the cycle for various temperature ratios. It has been found that the design parameters at mep conditions lead to more efficient engines than that at the mp condition and the mep criterion may have a significant power advantage compared with mpd criterion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind system with hydrogen storage performance using exergy analysis

This article presents and discusses the results of an exergy analysis conducted during the operation of a test-bed hybrid wind/solar generator with hydrogen support, designed and constructed at the Industrial Engineering School of the University of Extremadura, Badajoz (Spain). An exergy analysis is made of the different components of the system, calculating their exergy efficiencies and exergy losses, and proposing future improvements to increase the efficiency of the use of the surplus energy produced by the wind/solar generator. The results show the electrolyzer to have an acceptable efficiency (η_ex = 68.75%), but the photovoltaic modules a low exergy efficiency (η_ex = 8.39%) as also is the case, though to a lesser extent, for the fuel cell (η_ex = 35.9%).     

Comparative analysis of natural and conventional working fluids for use in transcritical Rankine cycle using low‐temperature geothermal source

Theoretical analyses of natural and conventional working fluids‐based transcritical Rankine power cycles driven by low‐temperature geothermal sources have been carried out with the methodology of pinch point analysis using computer models. The regenerator has been introduced and analyzed with a modified methodology considering the considerable variation of specific heat with temperature near the critical state. The evaluations of transcritical Rankine cycles have been performed based on equal thermodynamic mean heat rejection temperature and optimized gas heater pressures at various geothermal source temperature levels ranging from 80 to 120°C. The performances of CO₂, a natural working fluid most commonly used in a transcritical power cycle, have been indicated as baselines. The results obtained show: optimum thermodynamic mean heat injection temperatures of transcritical Rankine cycles are distributed in the range of 60 to 70% of given geothermal source temperature level; optimum gas heater pressures of working fluids considered are lower than baselines; thermal efficiencies and expansion ratios (Exp_r) are higher than baselines while net power output, volume flow rate at turbine inlet (V₁) and heat transfer capacity curves are distributed at both sides of baselines. From thermodynamic and techno‐economic point of view, R125 presents the best performances. It shows 10% higher net power output, 3% lower V₁, 1.0 time higher Exp_r, and 22% reduction of total heat transfer areas compared with baselines given geothermal source temperature of 90°C. With the geothermal source temperature above 100°C, R32 and R143a also show better performances. R170 shows nearly the same performances with baselines except for the higher V₁ value. It also shows that better temperature gliding match between fluids in the gas heater can lead to more net power output. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance and emission comparison of a supercharged dual-fuel engine fueled by producer gases with varying hydrogen content

This study investigated the effect of hydrogen content in producer gas on the performance and exhaust emissions of a supercharged producer gas–diesel dual-fuel engine. Two types of producer gases were used in this study, one with low hydrogen content (H₂ = 13.7%) and the other with high hydrogen content (H₂ = 20%). The engine was tested for use as a co-generation engine, so power output while maintaining a reasonable thermal efficiency was important. Experiments were carried out at a constant injection pressure and injection quantity for different fuel–air equivalence ratios and at various injection timings. The experimental strategy was to optimize the injection timing to maximize engine power at different fuel–air equivalence ratios without knocking and within the limit of the maximum cylinder pressure. Two-stage combustion was obtained; this is an indicator of maximum power output conditions and a precursor of knocking combustion. Better combustion, engine performance, and exhaust emissions (except NO_x) were obtained with the high H₂-content producer gas than with the low H₂-content producer gas, especially under leaner conditions. Moreover, a broader window of fuel–air equivalence ratio was found with highest thermal efficiencies for the high H₂-content producer gas.     

Micro-/nanoscaled irreversible Otto engine cycle with friction loss and boundary effects and its performance characteristics

An irreversible cycle model of the micro-/nanoscaled Otto engine cycle with internal friction loss is established. The general expressions of the work output and efficiency of the cycle are calculated based on the finite system thermodynamic theory, in which the quantum boundary effect of gas particles as working substance and the mechanical Casimir effect of gas system are considered. It is found that, for a micro-/nanoscaled Otto cycle devices, the work output W and efficiency η of the cycle can be expressed as the functions of the temperature ratio τ of the two heat reservoirs, the volume ratio r_V and the surface area ratio r_A of the two isochoric processes, the dimensionless thermal wavelength λ and other parameters of cycle, while for a macroscaled Otto cycle devices, the work output W₀ and efficiency η₀ of the cycle are independent of the surface area ratio r_A and the dimensionless thermal wavelength λ. Further, the influence of boundary of cycle on the performance characteristics of the micro-/nanoscaled Otto cycle are analyzed in detail by introducing the output ratio W/W₀ and efficiency ratio η/η₀. The results present the general performance characteristics of a micro-/nanoscaled Otto cycle and may serve as the basis for the design of a realistic Otto cycle device in micro-/nanoscale.     

Thermal performance of artificially roughened solar air heaters

Artificially roughened solar air heaters have been analysed (Prasad and Saini, 1988) for fully developed turbulent flow and found to perform better both quantitatively and qualitatively compared to the smooth ones under the same operating conditions. Optimal thermo-hydraulic performance of such solar air heaters has been analysed (Prasad and Saini, 1991) and investigated (Prasad and Verma, 2000) for the maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop.This paper represents the experimental results on heat transfer and thereby thermal performance of artificially roughened solar air heaters for fully developed turbulent flow data collected under actual outdoor conditions. Such solar air heaters have been found to give considerably high value of collector heat removal factor (F_R), collector efficiency factor (F′) and thermal efficiency (η_th) as compared to the corresponding values of those of smooth collectors. In the range of the operating parameters investigated, the ratio of the respective values of the parameters F_R, F′ and η_th for the roughened collectors to the smooth collectors have been found to be 1.786, 1.806 and 1.842 respectively.     

Maximum overall efficiency for a solar‐driven gas turbine power plant

A general model for an irreversible solar‐driven Brayton multi‐step heat engine is presented. The model incorporates an arbitrary number of turbines (N_t) and compressors (N_c) and the corresponding reheating and intercooling processes; thus, the solar‐driven Ericsson cycle is a particular case where N_t, N_c → ∞. For the solar collector, we assume linear heat losses, and for the Brayton multi‐step cycle, we consider irreversibilities arising from the non‐ideal behavior of turbines and compressors, pressure drops in the heat input and heat release, heat leakage through the plant to the surroundings, and non‐ideal couplings of the working fluid with the external heat reservoirs. We obtain the collector temperatures at which maximum overall efficiency η_max is reached as a function of the thermal plant pressure ratio, and a detailed comparison for several plant configurations is given. This maximum efficiency is obtained in two cases: when only internal irreversibilities are considered and when both internal and external irreversibilities (which corresponds to the fully irreversible realistic situation) are simultaneously taken into account. Differences between both situations are stressed in detail. In the fully irreversible realistic case, it is possible to perform an additional optimization with respect to the pressure ratio, . In particular, this double optimization leads to a valuable increase in efficiency (between 34% and 65%) for a plant with two turbines and two compressors compared to the simple solar‐driven one‐turbine one‐compressor Brayton engine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical investigation of the energy separation effect and flow mechanism inside convergent,straight, and divergent double‐sleeve RHVT

This study provides analysis of a cooled Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube (RHVT) with various specifications. It shows how cooling influences energy conversion inside the RHVT and improves performance of the device in separation of hot gas from the cold stream within the fluid by presenting the temperature detachment (the temperature diminution of cold air (ΔT_c = T_i ? T_c), isentropic efficiency (η_is), and coefficient of performance (COP) of divergent, convergent, and straight VTs. Two key parameters including hot tube length and number of nozzles for cooling and insulated cases are investigated to find out how the performance of the VT is affected by different geometry configurations under cooling conditions. These influences were researched for straight, convergent, and divergent VT separators under different flow characteristics. The optimum geometrical conditions for the cooling cases were identified. Results are indicative of positive influence of cooling for energy separation inside a VT. The quantities of ΔT_c, η_is, and COP for the cooled RHVT are greater than uncooled RHVT for various types of VTs. Cooling the VTs leads to an increase of 12.5% in ΔT_c, 14.4% in η_is, and 15.1% in COP when the base case was an uncooled VT.     

Performance analysis and comparison of an Atkinson cycle coupled to variable temperature heat reservoirs under maximum power and maximum power density conditions

In this paper, performance analysis and comparison based on the maximum power and maximum power density conditions have been conducted for an Atkinson cycle coupled to variable temperature heat reservoirs. The Atkinson cycle is internally reversible but externally irreversible, since there is external irreversibility of heat transfer during the processes of constant volume heat addition and constant pressure heat rejection. This study is based purely on classical thermodynamic analysis methodology. It should be especially emphasized that all the results and conclusions are based on classical thermodynamics. The power density, defined as the ratio of power output to maximum specific volume in the cycle, is taken as the optimization objective because it considers the effects of engine size as related to investment cost. The results show that an engine design based on maximum power density with constant effectiveness of the hot and cold side heat exchangers or constant inlet temperature ratio of the heat reservoirs will have smaller size but higher efficiency, compression ratio, expansion ratio and maximum temperature than one based on maximum power. From the view points of engine size and thermal efficiency, an engine design based on maximum power density is better than one based on maximum power conditions. However, due to the higher compression ratio and maximum temperature in the cycle, an engine design based on maximum power density conditions requires tougher materials for engine construction than one based on maximum power conditions.     

Performance evaluation of solar air heater for various artificial roughness geometries based on energy,effective and exergy efficiencies

A comparative study of various types of artificial roughness geometries in the absorber plate of solar air heater duct and their characteristics, investigated for the heat transfer and friction characteristics, has been presented. The performance evaluation in terms of η_I, η_ef and η_II has been carried out, for various values of Re, for some selected artificial roughness geometries in the absorber plate of solar air heater duct. The six roughness geometries as per the order of ability to create turbulence and a smooth surface have been selected. The correlations for heat transfer and coefficient of friction developed by respective investigators have been used to calculate efficiencies. It is found that artificial roughness on absorber surface effectively increases the efficiencies in comparison to smooth surface. The η_I in general increases in the following sequence: smooth surface, circular ribs, V shaped ribs, wedge shaped rib, expanded metal mesh, rib-grooved, and chamfered rib–groove. The η_ef based criteria also follows same trend of variation among various considered geometries, and trend is reversed at very high Re. The η_II based criteria also follows the same pattern; but the trend is reversed at relatively lower value of Re and for higher range of Re the η_II approaches zero or may be negative. It is found that for the higher range of Re circular ribs and V shaped ribs give appreciable η_II up to high Re; while for low Re chamfered rib–groove gives more η_II.     

Parametric study on the thermoelectric conversion performance of a concentrated solar‐driven thermionic‐thermoelectric hybrid generator

A concentrated solar‐driven thermionic‐thermoelectric hybrid generator composed of solar heat collector, thermionic generator (TIG), thermoelectric generator (TEG), and radiator is introduced in this paper. A theoretical model of thermoelectric conversion performance for the hybrid generator is built up based on the heat source of the concentrated solar radiation rather than isothermal heat source. Based on the model, the impacts of related parameters on the internal temperature distributions, output power, and efficiency have been discussed. Moreover, the optimal operating conditions of the TIG‐TEG hybrid device at its maximum output power and efficiency have been determined. Results show that when cascading the TEG with the TIG, there is very little change of the TIG cathode temperature in most conditions, namely, T_C ≈ T_C′. Meanwhile, the anode temperature becomes higher, and the TEG cold end temperature T₂ is close to the anode temperature T_A′ for the single TIG system, ie, T_A > T_A′ ≈ T₂. In theory, the optimal concentrated solar radiation I₀ for the maximum output power P_max and the maximum efficiency η_max differs, which are I_0,P = 2.5 × 10⁶ W/m² and I_0,η = 2 × 10⁶ W/m², respectively, whereas the output power and efficiency of the TIG‐TEG hybrid system simultaneously reach their maximum values when the optimal TIG anode temperature T_A,opt = 1025 K, the optimal TIG output voltage V_opt = 2 V, and the optimal ratio of load resistance to internal resistance (R₂/R)_opt = 2. However, in practice, the parameter values of I₀, Φ_A, and T_A should be strictly controlled under 1.8 × 10⁶ W/m², 1.4 eV, and 660 K, respectively. Generally, the maximum output power and efficiency of the hybrid TIG‐TEG system are, respectively, 35% and 4% higher than that of the single TIG.     

Evaluation of the performance of a micro gas turbine cogeneration system in a sewage treatment facility: Optimized configuration of a cogeneration system

In this study, efficient configuration of a biogas‐fuelled cogeneration system (CGS) in a sewage treatment facility was investigated. The efficient configuration of the CGS was clarified on the basis of the relationship between exhaust heat recovery efficiency (η_ehr) of the CGS and the ratio of yearly average heat demand to yearly average biogas production of the facility (Q_h.d/Q_b.p). The CGS was assumed to be used under Q_h.d/Q_b.p<η_ehr,Q_h.d/Q_b.p≈η_ehr, and Q_h.d/Q_b.p>η_ehr conditions. It was found that although the CGS was able to cover total heat demand of the facility by only consuming biogas produced, from the point of view of energy utilization, reduction of unutilized biogas and reduction of electricity demand efficiencies, the most efficient CGS was obtained under the Q_h.d/Q_b.p≈η_ehr condition. Under the Q_h.d/Q_b.p≈η_ehr condition, energy utilization, reduction of unutilized biogas, and reduction of electrical demand efficiencies were 0.64, 0.99, and 0.32, respectively, whereas under the Q_h.d/Q_b.p<η_ehr and Q_h.d/Q_b.p>η_ehr conditions, energy utilization, reduction of unutilized biogas, and reduction of electrical demand efficiencies were in ranges of 0.56–0.64, 0.43–0.99, and 0.16–0.20, respectively. A more efficient system can be obtained if a CGS with lower η_ehr such as a fuel cell is used under the Q_h.d/Q_b.p<η_ehr condition and if a CGS with higher η_ehr such as a steam turbine is used under the Q_h.d/Q_b.p>η_ehr condition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj ). DOI 10.1002/htj.20389     

Thermodynamical,economical and environmental evaluation of high efficiency gas turbine cogeneration systems

The paper evaluates the thermodynamical, economical and environmental characteristics of a cogeneration system composed of a gas turbine and a waste heat boiler (system A). Two other systems for increasing power generating efficiency are also evaluated, namely systems B and C, which are constructed by incorporating a regenerative cycle and a dual fluid cycle, respectively, into system A. It has been estimated that system C satisfies an environmental constraint that the nitrogen oxide density exhausted should be less than 100 parts in 10⁶, and that systems A and B also satisfy this constraint if a small amount of steam is injected into the combustor. The power generating efficiencies of systems A and B, in this case, and that of system C have been estimated to be 33.5%, 38.5% and 41.2%, respectively; i.e. the efficiencies of systems B and C can be improved noticeably compared with that of system A. The economics of these systems have also been evaluated based on the value of a profit index, and the systems are all estimated to be economically viable under the conditions assumed. As a result, it has been shown that it is possible to construct cogeneration systems with satisfactory characteristics of both environmental protection and profitability if system A is used in districts where the heat demand is large, system C in districts where the heat demand is small, and system B in districts with intermediate heat demand.     

Thermodynamic analysis of a novel compressed carbon dioxide energy storage system with low-temperature thermal storage

Research projects on new electrical energy storage (EES) systems are underway because of the role of EES in balancing the electric grid and smoothing out the instability of renewable energy. In this paper, a novel compressed carbon dioxide energy storage with low-temperature thermal storage was proposed. Liquid CO₂ storage was employed to increase the storage density of the system and avoid its dependence on geological formations. Low-temperature thermal energy storage technology was utilized to recycle the heat of compression and reduce the challenges to system components. The system configuration was introduced in detail. Four evaluation criteria, the round trip efficiency (RTE), exergy efficiency (η_Ex), thermal efficiency (η_TE), and energy density (ρ_E) were defined to show the system performance. Parametric analysis was carried out to examine the effects of some key parameters on system performance and the genetic algorithm was adopted for system optimization. The calculated results show that, for the novel EES under the basic working condition, its RTE is 41.4%, η_TE is 59.7%, η_Ex is 45.4%, and ρ_E is 15 kWh m⁻³. The value of ρ_E increases with the increasing pump outlet pressure for a fixed value of pressure ratio, and the changes of RTE, η_TE, and the total exergy destruction of the system (E_D,total) with pump outlet pressure are complicated for different values of pressure ratio. When both pressure ratio and pump outlet pressure are high, the values of RTE and ρ_E can be maximized whereas the value of E_D,total can be minimized. Besides, no matter how pump outlet pressure and pressure ratio change, the exergy destruction of the system mainly come from compressors and regenerators, which accounts for about 50% of the total exergy destruction.