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A performance analysis and optimization of a open-cycle regenerator gas-turbine power-plant is performed in this paper. The analytical formulae about the relation between power output and cycle overall pressure-ratio are derived taking into account the eight pressure-drop losses in the intake, compression, regeneration, combustion, expansion and discharge processes and flow process in the piping, the heat-transfer loss to the ambient environment, the irreversible compression and expansion losses in the compressor and the turbine, and the irreversible combustion loss in the combustion chamber. The power output is optimized by adjusting the mass-flow rate and the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path. Also, it is shown that the power output has a maximum with respect to the fuel-flow rate or any of the overall pressure-drops and the maximized power output has an additional maximum with respect to the overall pressure-ratio. The numerical example shows the effects of design parameters on the power output and heat-conversion efficiency.

A performance analysis and optimization of a open-cycle regenerator gas-turbine power-plant is performed in this paper. The analytical formulae about the relation between power output and cycle overall pressure-ratio are derived taking into account the eight pressure-drop losses in the intake, compression, regeneration, combustion, expansion and discharge processes and flow process in the piping, the heat-transfer loss to the ambient environment, the irreversible compression and expansion losses in the compressor and the turbine, and the irreversible combustion loss in the combustion chamber. The power output is optimized by adjusting the mass-flow rate and the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path. Also, it is shown that the power output has a maximum with respect to the fuel-flow rate or any of the overall pressure-drops and the maximized power output has an additional maximum with respect to the overall pressure-ratio. The numerical example shows the effects of design parameters on the power output and heat-conversion efficiency.

Abstract This paper examines methods to simultaneously improve efficiency and reduce emissions from a 34 cc air-cooled two-stroke engine configured to operate on natural gas, using tuned intake plus exhaust resonators designed from Helmholtz resonance theory to promote effective scavenging. The engine was developed for novel application in a small, free piston engine for decentralized power generation. Operation occurred at wide-open-throttle at a speed of 5400 RPM for both port injection (PI) and low-pressure direct injection (LPDI). In both cases, the electronic ignition timing was adjusted for maximum brake torque, while the fuel was adjusted such that both rich and lean combustion were examined. The LPDI engine was then operated over a variety of engine speeds. An energy balance was completed for both PI and LPDI operation, which quantified all energy pathways, as engine operating regimes changed. Results showed that exhaust chemical energy (ECE) for LPDI was reduced significantly when compared to PI, mostly due to less fuel slip. The fuel slip rate ranged from 35 to 40% for PI operation while it was in the range of 6–20% for LPDI operation. However, mixture stratification with LPDI operation increased carbon monoxide emissions. The start-of-injection (SOI) was also examined, targeting a SOI to provide the highest trapping efficiency and most stable combustion. For LPDI operation, trapping efficiency, which is function of engine speed, showed significant effects on overall efficiency and fuel slip. Air volumetric efficiency increased due to the absence of gaseous fuel within the intake manifold. It was shown that, relative to PI, the overall engine indicated efficiency increased by 90% to a maximum indicated efficiency of 30% for LPDI operation with a SOI of 180 CAD BTDC.

Abstract This paper examines methods to simultaneously improve efficiency and reduce emissions from a 34 cc air-cooled two-stroke engine configured to operate on natural gas, using tuned intake plus exhaust resonators designed from Helmholtz resonance theory to promote effective scavenging. The engine was developed for novel application in a small, free piston engine for decentralized power generation. Operation occurred at wide-open-throttle at a speed of 5400 RPM for both port injection (PI) and low-pressure direct injection (LPDI). In both cases, the electronic ignition timing was adjusted for maximum brake torque, while the fuel was adjusted such that both rich and lean combustion were examined. The LPDI engine was then operated over a variety of engine speeds. An energy balance was completed for both PI and LPDI operation, which quantified all energy pathways, as engine operating regimes changed. Results showed that exhaust chemical energy (ECE) for LPDI was reduced significantly when compared to PI, mostly due to less fuel slip. The fuel slip rate ranged from 35 to 40% for PI operation while it was in the range of 6–20% for LPDI operation. However, mixture stratification with LPDI operation increased carbon monoxide emissions. The start-of-injection (SOI) was also examined, targeting a SOI to provide the highest trapping efficiency and most stable combustion. For LPDI operation, trapping efficiency, which is function of engine speed, showed significant effects on overall efficiency and fuel slip. Air volumetric efficiency increased due to the absence of gaseous fuel within the intake manifold. It was shown that, relative to PI, the overall engine indicated efficiency increased by 90% to a maximum indicated efficiency of 30% for LPDI operation with a SOI of 180 CAD BTDC.

A stand-alone analytical model using the NTU (number of transfer units) effectiveness approach was developed for a residential desuperheater integrated to a thermal-energy storage (TES) system. This paper describes the basic heat-transfer analysis and presents the characteristics of the model. The output prediction of the desuperheater model was the desuperheater rate. Error analyses of the desuperheater rate indicated that the model predictions were within 12% of the experimental values. A factorial-design sensitivity analysis was conducted to show that the variables Tri and Twi as well as interactions Twi∗hrefrig, hrefrig∗F, Tri∗hrefrig, and hwtr∗hrefrig∗F had significant effects on the desuperheater rate. Although the model involved various assumptions, the results were considered helpful for the design and understanding of the behaviour of the desuperheater.

A stand-alone analytical model using the NTU (number of transfer units) effectiveness approach was developed for a residential desuperheater integrated to a thermal-energy storage (TES) system. This paper describes the basic heat-transfer analysis and presents the characteristics of the model. The output prediction of the desuperheater model was the desuperheater rate. Error analyses of the desuperheater rate indicated that the model predictions were within 12% of the experimental values. A factorial-design sensitivity analysis was conducted to show that the variables Tri and Twi as well as interactions Twi∗hrefrig, hrefrig∗F, Tri∗hrefrig, and hwtr∗hrefrig∗F had significant effects on the desuperheater rate. Although the model involved various assumptions, the results were considered helpful for the design and understanding of the behaviour of the desuperheater.

Abstract Attention is devoted to the application of cylindrical-parabolic solar concentrators in the intermediate temperature range for which wide receivers are used. Suitable indices that describe the performance of the concentrator are defined and evaluated. The effect of each individual parameter on total concentrator performance is investigated. The results of the analysis are presented as a set of graphs which can be used easily when designing parabolic concentrators.

Abstract Attention is devoted to the application of cylindrical-parabolic solar concentrators in the intermediate temperature range for which wide receivers are used. Suitable indices that describe the performance of the concentrator are defined and evaluated. The effect of each individual parameter on total concentrator performance is investigated. The results of the analysis are presented as a set of graphs which can be used easily when designing parabolic concentrators.