Horizon Information Portal

MSOE Library Home

MSOE Library Home

Home

The design and feasibility analysis of a Rankine cycle cogeneration system for a diesel generator set / Jason D. Andersen.

by Andersen, Jason D.

Heat exchangers -- Design and construction

Computer simulation

Heat-transfer media

Internal combustion engines

159 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

Thesis advisor(s): Dr. Christopher Damm.

Committee members: Michael Swedish, Dr. Francis Mahuta, Jr.

Introduction -- Review of literature -- Modeling and simulation methodology -- Simulation results -- Conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix A- Heat transfer coefficient model code B- Cogeneration simulation model code C- Engine energy balance calculations D- Generator specifications.

The project has determined that the cogeneration of energy with a four-stroke internal combustion engine utilizing a Rankine cycle is technically feasible. Althrough technically feasible, much more system design optimization is required to make the system economically feasible. This paper outlines the circuit design and modeling of a Rankine cycle cogeneration system for a Kohler Power Systems 800kw Diesel generator set.

To design the cogeneration system, two software models were generated using a Engineering Equation Solver (EES) computer program. EES is a software package used to solve engineering problems and has fluid property query functionality which makes it ideal for thermodynamic system modeling applications. The primary EES cogeneration simulation model was used to simulate and optimize the system. The secondary EES heat transfer coefficient model was used to determine the heat transfer coefficients for the waste heat recovery heat exchangers. Results from the heat transfer coefficient model were entered into the cogeneration simulation model to size the waste heat recovery heat exchangers based on the desire performance requirements. The simulation model results were then utilized to detrminethe economic feasibility of the system through the use of a net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) model.

A percent increase in net output of up to 21% was possible, but resulted in a NPV of negative $2,700,000. More economical design scenarios were explored, but no options resulted in a positive NPV. Further heat exchanger design is required to increase the compactness of the waste heat recovery heat exchangers while decreasing the associated cost. In addition, utilizing steam as the working fluid results in very low boiler and condenser operating pressures. This resulted in an application where the turbine required was not commercially available. A specially developed turbine is needed if steam is selected as the working fluid. If R-134a was selected as the working fluid, a turbine is commercially available. However, with R-134a as the waste heat recovery efficiency is much lower, resulting in an extremely large heat exchanged and low NPV. Additional heat exchanger design optimization and turbine development will help to deliver the economic benefits of Rankine cycle cogeneration. A pre-engenered skid encompassing all the design improvements can be developed and provided by the generator manufacturer. The pre-engineered skid would reduce reoccurring engineering costs and potentially deliver an economically feasible cogeneration system, while providing all the environmental benefits of reduced net fuel consumption.

Horizon Information Portal 3.25_9885

Powered by SirsiDynix

© 2001-2013 SirsiDynix All rights reserved.

Horizon Information Portal