| 1. |
- Araoz, Joseph Adhemar, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Non-ideal Stirling engine thermodynamic model suitable for the integration into overall energy systems
- 2014
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Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 73:1, s. 203-219
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The reliability of modelling and simulation of energy systems strongly depends on the prediction accuracy of each system component. This is the case of Stirling engine-based systems, where an accurate modelling of the engine performance is very important to understand the overall system behaviour. In this sense, many Stirling engine analyses with different approaches have been already developed. However, there is a lack of Stirling engine models suitable for the integration into overall system simulations. In this context, this paper aims to develop a rigorous Stirling engine model that could be easily integrated into combined heat and power schemes for the overall techno-economic analysis of these systems. The model developed considers a Stirling engine with adiabatic working spaces, isothermal heat exchangers, dead volumes, and imperfect regeneration. Additionally, it considers mechanical pumping losses due to friction, limited heat transfer and thermal losses on the heat exchangers. The predicted efficiency and power output were compared with the numerical model and the experimental work reported by the NASA Lewis Research Centre for the GPU-3 Stirling engine. This showed average absolute errors around ±4% for the brake power, and ±5% for the brake efficiency at different frequencies. However, the model also showed large errors (±15%) for these calculations at higher frequencies and low pressures. Additional results include the calculation of the cyclic expansion and compression work; the pressure drop and heat flow through the heat exchangers; the conductive, shuttle effect and regenerator thermal losses; the temperature and mass flow distribution along the system; and the power output and efficiency of the engine.
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| 2. |
- Araoz Ramos, Joseph Adhemar, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Development and validation of a thermodynamic model for the performance analysis of a gamma Stirling engine prototype
- 2015
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Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 83, s. 16-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This work presents the development and validation of a numerical model that represents the performance of a gamma Stirling engine prototype. The model follows a modular approach considering ideal adiabatic working spaces; limited internal and external heat transfer through the heat exchangers; and mechanical and thermal losses during the cycle. In addition, it includes the calculation of the mechanical efficiency taking into account the crank mechanism effectiveness and the forced work during the cycle. Consequently, the model aims to predict the work that can be effectively taken from the shaft. The model was compared with experimental data obtained in an experimental rig built for the engine prototype. The results showed an acceptable degree of accuracy when comparing with the experimental data, with errors ranging from +/- 1% to +/- 8% for the temperature in the heater side, less than +/- 1% error for the cooler temperatures, and +/- 1 to +/- 8% for the brake power calculations. Therefore, the model was probed adequate for study of the prototype performance. In addition, the results of the simulation reflected the limited performance obtained during the prototype experiments, and a first analysis of the results attributed this to the forced work during the cycle. The implemented model is the basis for a subsequent parametric analysis that will complement the results presented.
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| 3. |
- Araoz Ramos, Joseph Adhemar, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Integration of Stirling engines into residential boilers for combined heat and power services: Thermodynamic modelling and analysis
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The use of simulation techniques for the study of Combined Heat and Power systems based on Stirling Engines (CHP-SE) has been focused on dynamic simulations that guide the sizing of the system components. These are valuable tools for the performance evaluation of determined designs. However, there is a need to complement these studies with additional analysis that could permit to assess the design improvement and the integration of the system components. For this reason, the present work developed a model that coupled the design equations of each component with the equations that describe the thermal interactions presented in the overall system.This integration allowed to obtain a deeper insight into the thermodynamic characteristics of the overall system, and thus was used for the study of a micro CHP-SE experimental rig. The results for this case study allowed to quantify the main energy outputs, the energy losses, and the influence of different parameters on the system. The overall efficiency under the original conditions presented values ranging from 60%-64% with very low exergy efficiencies ranging from 5%-7%. The simulation analysis permitted to identify design and operational parameters that would increase the overall efficiency to values closer to 80% and the exergy to values closer to 14%. These increments would correspond to the reduction of the energy losses, improvements on the conditions for the biomass combustion, and the use of engines with higher electrical outputs.
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| 4. |
- Araoz Ramos, Joseph A., et al.
(författare)
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Numerical simulation for the design analysis of kinematic Stirling engines
- 2015
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Ingår i: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 159, s. 633-650
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Stirling engine is a closed-cycle regenerative system that presents good theoretical properties. These include a high thermodynamic efficiency, low emissions levels thanks to a controlled external heat source, and multi-fuel capability among others. However, the performance of actual prototypes largely differs from the mentioned theoretical potential. Actual engine prototypes present low electrical power outputs and high energy losses. These are mainly attributed to the complex interaction between the different components of the engine, and the challenging heat transfer and fluid dynamics requirements. Furthermore, the integration of the engine into decentralized energy systems such as the Combined Heat and Power systems (CHP) entails additional complications. These has increased the need for engineering tools that could assess design improvements, considering a broader range of parameters that would influence the engine performance when integrated within overall systems. Following this trend, the current work aimed to implement an analysis that could integrate the thermodynamics, and the thermal and mechanical interactions that influence the performance of kinematic Stirling engines. In particular for their use in Combined Heat and Power systems. The mentioned analysis was applied for the study of an engine prototype that presented very low experimental performance. The numerical methodology was selected for the identification of possible causes that limited the performance. This analysis is based on a second order Stirling engine model that was previously developed and validated. The simulation allowed to evaluate the effect that different design and operational parameters have on the engine performance, and consequently different performance curves were obtained. These curves allowed to identify ranges for the charged pressure, temperature ratio, heat exchangers dimensions, crank phase angle and crank mechanical effectiveness, where the engine performance was improved. In addition, the curves also permitted to recognise ranges were the design parameters could drastically reduce the brake power and efficiency. The results also showed that the design of the engine is affected by the conditions imposed by the CHP interactions, and that the engine could reach a brake power closer to 832 W with a corresponding brake efficiency of 26% when the adequate design parameters were considered. On the other hand, the performance could also be very low; as the reported in experimental tests, with brake power measurements ranging 52-120W.
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| 5. |
- Araoz Ramos, Joseph Adhemar, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
-
Numerical simulation for the performance analysis of a gamma Stirling engine prototype
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Computer assisted modelling and simulation of energy systems asses the performance and suggest improvements to achieve energy efficient solutions. This is the case of the Stirling engine technology, where computer simulations combined with experimental work have helped to the development of different prototypes. Following this trend, the current work aims to study possible improvements towards the design of a gamma Stirling engine prototype through numerical simulations. The prototype was first experimentally studied and presented low performances. For this reason and considering a lack of reports for this prototype, the numerical simulation was the approach to identify the possible problems that limited the performance. In this regard, this paper presents the development and validation of a numerical model that represent the performance of the Stirling prototype. The model follows a modular approach considering ideal adiabatic working spaces; limited internal and external heat transfer through the heat exchangers; and mechanical and thermal losses during the cycle. In addition, it includes the calculation of the mechanical efficiency taking into account the crank mechanism effectiveness and the forced work during the cycle. Consequently, the model aims to predict the work that can be effectively taken from the shaft. The model was compared with experimental data obtained in an experimental rig built for the engine prototype. The results showed an acceptable degree of accuracy when comparing with the experimental data, with errors ranging from 1%-8% for the temperature in the heater side, less than 1% error for the cooler temperatures, and 1-8% for the brake power calculations. Therefore, the model was probed adequate for study the prototype performance. In addition, the results of the simulation reflected the limited performance obtained during the prototype experiments, and a first analysis of the results attributed this to the forced work during the cycle. The implemented model is the basis for a subsequent parametric analysis that will complement the results presented.
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| 6. |
- Baina, Fabiola, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of a high-temperature heat exchanger for an externally-fired micro gas turbine
- 2015
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Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 75, s. 410-420
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The externally-fired gas turbine (EFGT) can convert fuels such as coal, biomass, biomass gasification gas and solar energy into electricity and heat. The combination of this technology with biomass gasification gas represents an interesting option for gasification, for which it has been difficult to find a conversion technology. In this system, the heat exchanger deals with the contaminants of biomass derived gas instead of the turbine itself. However, these contaminants can build a deposit layer in the heat exchanger that can affect its performance. The heat exchanger is important in externally fired gas turbines since the turbine inlet temperature is directly dependent on its performance. Several studies on heat exchangers for externally fired gas turbines have been carried out. However, very few detailed studies were found comparing the performance of heat exchangers for externally fired gas turbines considering the effect of deposit materials on the surfaces. In this regard, this work compares the performance of a corrugated plate heat exchanger and a two-tube-passes shell and tube heat exchanger considering the effect of thickness of deposit material with different thermal conductivities on pressure drop and effectiveness. The results show that the effectiveness of the corrugated plate heat exchanger is more influenced at larger thicknesses of deposit materials than the two-tube-passes shell and tube heat exchanger. There is an exponential increase in the pressure drop of the plate heat exchanger while a monotonic increase of pressure drop is seen for the shell and tube heat exchanger. The increase in the thickness of the deposit material has two effects. On one hand, it increases the resistance to heat transfer and on the other hand, it reduces the through flow area increasing the velocity and hence the heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, the effectiveness of the heat exchangers had a stronger influence on the power output than the pressure drop.
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| 7. |
- Baina, Fabiola, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of the fuel type on the performance of an externally fired micro gas turbine cycle
- 2015
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Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 87, s. 150-160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Externally fired gas turbines open the possibility of using fuels of lower quality than conventional gas turbines and internal combustion engines. This is because in externally fired gas turbines, the flue gases heat the compressed air in a high temperature heat exchanger. This heat exchanger can more easily deal with contaminants present in the flue gases. In this regard, the configuration of externally fired gas turbines represents an interesting option for biomass gasification gas. The contaminants and low heating value (LHV) of this fuel have made it difficult to find a conversion technology for heat and power generation. For this reason, it is important to study the influence of biomass derived gas as fuel on the performance of this system and consider the effects of the contaminants in the high temperature heat exchanger. This is studied in this work through simulations using Aspen Plus and Matlab. The test data of an externally fired micro gas turbine prototype was used to validate the simulation. The fuel considered was biomass gasification gas with varying concentrations of benzene 100, 10 and 1 g/Nm3 (hereafter named m100, m10, and m1 respectively). Additionally, mixtures of biomass derived gas and methane were studied for 10 and 50% of the thermal power of the combustor. The fuel inlet temperature to the combustor varied from 150 °C to 750 °C in order to represent the fuel gas after removal of particles by a cyclone and a filter. The results showed that the electrical power output increases when high fuel inlet temperatures to the combustor are used. Additionally, although it would be expected that fuels with higher LHV (lower heating value) show higher temperatures and higher output power, this does not always occur because of the composition of the fuels and their respective flue gas temperatures. The addition of methane does not have a large effect on the electrical power output. For a fixed temperature limit in the heat exchanger, the composition of the fuels does not play an important role. However, high fuel inlet temperatures to the combustor show slightly higher efficiencies. Additionally, the effect on the electrical power output of increasing the pressure drop as a result of increased thickness of deposit materials in the heat exchanger was analyzed.
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| 8. |
- Baina, Fabiola, et al.
(författare)
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Extended operability of a commercial air-staged burner using a synthetic mixture of biomass derived gas for application in an externally fired micro gas turbine
- 2015
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Ingår i: Fuel. - : Elsevier BV. - 0016-2361 .- 1873-7153. ; 150, s. 664-671
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biomass gasification converts solid biomass into a gaseous fuel that is more versatile and can be used in many applications. However, biomass gasification gas contains some contaminants and inert compounds. The contaminants can cause several problems in the downstream equipment and undesirable emissions while the inert compounds can affect the lower heating value of the gas. Because of these characteristics, there have been difficulties in finding a conversion technology using biomass gasification gas for heat and power generation. In this regard, externally fired gas turbines open a possibility for this combustible gas since due to its configuration, combustion takes place outside the conventional gas turbine cycle. For this reason, combustion studies of biomass derived gas are important. In this work the operability of a commercial air-staged natural gas burner is shown in terms of CO, UHC, and NOX emissions using a synthetic mixture of biomass gasification gas. Two fuel gas mixtures simulating the composition of biomass gasification gas are injected in the combustor. Each fuel gas contains different injection rates of benzene in order to represent tars and to understand their effect on the combustion performance. Additionally, the equivalence ratio is varied in a range of lean conditions in order to find an optimum operation point for the burner studied. The results showed that the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene reduced the CO concentrations in the exhaust gas while it increased the concentrations of unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) at equivalence ratios lower than 0.68. Additionally, NOX emissions showed a relatively constant trend over the range of equivalence ratios studied for both fuels. It was also observed that NOX emissions increase with the addition of benzene in the fuel gas. An optimum point with regards CO and UHC concentrations was found for the fuels tested.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Cardozo, Evelyn, et al.
(författare)
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Integration of a wood pellet burner and a Stirling engine to produce residential heat and power
- 2014
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Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 73:1, s. 669-678
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The integration a Stirling engine with a pellet burner is a promising alternative to produce heat and power for residential use. In this context, this study is focused on the experimental evaluation of the integration of a 20 kWth wood pellet burner and a 1 kWe Stirling engine. The thermal power not absorbed by the engine is used to produce hot water. The evaluation highlights the effects of pellet type, combustion chamber length and cycling operation on the Stirling engine temperatures and thermal power absorbed. The results show that the position of the Stirling engine is highly relevant in order to utilize as much as possible of the radiative heat from the burner. Within this study, only a 5 cm distance change between the Stirling engine and the pellet burner could result in an increase of almost 100 °C in the hot side of the engine. However, at a larger distance, the temperature of the hot side is almost unchanged suggesting dominating convective heat transfer from the hot flue gas. Ash accumulation decreases the temperature of the hot side of the engine after some cycles of operation when a commercial pellet burner is integrated. The temperature ratio, which is the relation between the minimum and maximum temperatures of the engine, decreases when using Ø8 mm wood pellets in comparison to Ø6 mm pellets due to higher measured temperatures on the hot side of the engine. Therefore, the amount of heat supplied to the engine is increased for Ø8 mm wood pellets. The effectiveness of the engine regenerator is increased at higher pressures. The relation between temperature of the hot side end and thermal power absorbed by the Stirling engine is nearly linear between 500 °C and 660 °C. Higher pressure inside the Stirling engine has a positive effect on the thermal power output. Both the chemical and thermal losses increase somewhat when integrating a Stirling engine in comparison to a stand-alone boiler for only heat production. The overall efficiency of the pellets fired Stirling engine system reached 72%.
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