Muller, Gerald, Chan, Chun Ho, Gibby, Alexander, Tsuzaki, Toru, Zahir, Muhammad Zubair, Paterson, James, Seetanah,, Joshuah, Telfer, Matthew, Walker, Caleb and Yusof, Faris (2018) The condensing engine: a heat engine for operating temperatures of 100 C and below. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, 232 (4), 437-448. (doi:10.1177/0957650917736455).
Abstract
The cost-effective utilisation of low-grade thermal energy with temperatures below 150 C for electricity generation still constitutes an engineering challenge. Existing technology, e.g. the organic Rankine cycle machines, are complex and only economical for larger power outputs. At Southampton University, the steam condensation cycle for a working temperature of 100 C was analysed theoretically. The cycle uses water as working fluid, which has the advantages of being cheap, readily available, non-toxic, non-inflammable and non-corrosive, and works at and below atmospheric pressure, so that leakage and sealing are not problematic. Steam expansion will increase the theoretical efficiency of the cycle from 6.4% (no expansion) to 17.8% (expansion ratio 1:8). In this article, the theoretical development of the cycle is presented. A 40 Watt experimental engine was built and tested. Efficiencies ranged from 0.02 (no expansion) to 0.055 (expansion ratio 1:4). The difference between theoretical and experimental efficiencies was attributed to significant pressure loss in valves, and to difficulties with heat rejection. It was concluded that the condensing engine has potential for further
development.
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- Faculties (pre 2011 reorg) > Faculty of Engineering Science & Maths (pre 2011 reorg) > Civil Engineering & the Environment (pre 2011 reorg)
Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Engineering > Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering > Civil Engineering & the Environment (pre 2011 reorg)
Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering > Civil Engineering & the Environment (pre 2011 reorg) - Faculties (pre 2018 reorg) > Faculty of Engineering and the Environment (pre 2018 reorg) > Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (pre 2018 reorg)
- Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Engineering > Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering > Water and Environmental Engineering Group
Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering > Water and Environmental Engineering Group
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