A parametric analysis to evaluate the performance metrics of power generation system involving Trilateral Flash Cycle using three different working fluids for low grade waste heat

Abstract

With the accelerated growth in population and technology progress in day-to-day life, the traditional fuels demands have increased significantly. Despite the execution of many renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass), the modern issues such as high investment and power costs have slowed down their development. In this context, improvisation of the existing power generation ways is required by evolving a highly effective thermal system to extract renewable energy available for low grade waste heat. At present, many of the applicable practices are engrossed on high temperature heat extraction rather than low-grade heat in spite of being expensive. In this work, innovative technology has been recommended by amalgamation of the Trilateral Flash Cycle (TFC) with an expander (reaction turbine) in a binary system to offer improved operation, economical and broader employment of the existing resources. TFC can extract heat more efficiently from hydrothermal means to improve power generation directly and decrease the emissions of greenhouse gas. A theoretical analysis using a computer based model for TFC with simple reaction turbine for three proposed diameters at various rotational speeds and operating fluids is performed. Results of output powers and turbine efficiencies of the recommended system are compared. Also, this design concludes the optimum design factors for the turbine under explicit operational settings and the factors affecting the efficiency and nozzle flow area are discussed for the TFC system.