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A Single-Reciprocating-Piston Two-Phase Thermofluidic Prime-Mover Full article

Общее Language: Английский, Genre: Full article,
Status: Published, Source type: Original
Journal Energy
ISSN: 0360-5442 , E-ISSN: 1873-6785
Output data Year: 2016, Volume: 104, Pages: 250-265 Pages count : 16 DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.113
Tags Electrical analogy, Heat converter, Heat engine, Thermofluidic oscillator, Two-phase, Unsteady
Authors Taleb Aly I. 1 , Timmer Michael A.G. 1 , El-Shazly Mohamed Y. 1 , Samoilov Aleksandr 2,3 , Kirillov Valeriy A. 2,3,4 , Markides Christos N. 1
Affiliations
1 Clean Energy Processes (CEP) Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
2 Boreskov Institute of Catalysis (BIC), pr. Lavrentieva 5, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
3 Limited Liability Company “UNICAT”, pr. Lavrentieva 5, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
4 Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova St. 2, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

Funding (2)

1 Skolkovo Foundation 64 от 02.07.2012г.
2 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EP/J006041/1

Abstract: We explore theoretically a thermodynamic heat-engine concept that has the potential of attaining a high efficiency and power density relative to competing solutions, while having a simple construction with few moving parts and dynamic seals, allowing low capital and operating costs, and long lifetimes. Specifically, an unsteady heat-engine device within which a working fluid undergoes a power cycle featuring phase-change, termed the ‘Evaporative Reciprocating-Piston Engine’ (EPRE) is considered as a potential prime mover for use in combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Based on thermal/fluid-electrical analogies, a theoretical ERPE device is conceptualized initially in the electrical-analogy domain as a linearized, closed-loop active electronic circuit model. The circuit-model representation is designed to potentially exhibit high efficiencies compared to similar, existing two-phase unsteady heat engines. From the simplified circuit model in the electrical domain, and using the thermal/fluid-electrical analogies, one possible configuration of a corresponding physical ERPE device is derived, based on an early prototype of a device currently under development that exhibits some similarities with the ERPE, and used as a physical manifestation of the proposed concept. The corresponding physical ERPE device relies on the alternating phase change of a suitable working-fluid (here, water) to drive a reciprocating displacement of a single vertical piston and to produce sustained oscillations of thermodynamic properties within an enclosed space. Four performance indicators are considered: the operational frequency, the power output, the exergy efficiency, and the heat input/temperature difference imposed externally on the device's heat exchangers that is necessary to sustain oscillations. The effects of liquid inertia, viscous drag, hydrostatic pressure, vapour compressibility and two-phase heat transfer in the various engine components/compartments are examined, via changes to thermodynamic/thermophysical/transport properties and also geometrical features of the ERPE. It is found that for high efficiency and power output: (1) the vapour dead-spaces must be minimized; (2) the length of the tube that connects the displacer and working cylinders must be of significant length; and, (3) the heat-exchanger blocks must have a low thermal resistance and high heat capacity. The methodological approach implemented in this study can be used to guide the proposal, early-stage design and verification of these complex unsteady thermodynamic systems, while offering important suggestions for improved performance and system optimization.
Cite: Taleb A.I. , Timmer M.A.G. , El-Shazly M.Y. , Samoilov A. , Kirillov V.A. , Markides C.N.
A Single-Reciprocating-Piston Two-Phase Thermofluidic Prime-Mover
Energy. 2016. V.104. P.250-265. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.113 publication_identifier_short.wos_identifier_type publication_identifier_short.scopus_identifier_type publication_identifier_short.rinz_identifier_type
Files: Full text from publisher
Dates:
Submitted: Oct 25, 2015
Accepted: Feb 18, 2016
Published online: Apr 22, 2016
Published print: Jun 1, 2016
Identifiers:
publication_identifier.wos_identifier_type WOS:000377727000022
publication_identifier.scopus_identifier_type 2-s2.0-84963831116
publication_identifier.rinz_identifier_type 27010423
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