Performance analysis and sensitivity of system parameters on the performance of trilateral-cycle power generator systems. Issue 1 (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ajimotokan, H. A.; Ajao, K. R.; Rabiu, A. B.; Yahaya, T.; Nasir, A.; Adegun, I. K.; Popoola, O. T.
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of mechanical engineering. Volume 21:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Trilateral cycle -- waste heat recovery -- heat recovery-to-power generation -- performance metrics -- sensitivity analysis; Mechanical engineering -- Periodicals; Mechanical engineering -- Australia -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14484846.2020.1826075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1448-4846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Though the trilateral cycle (TLC) is a promising heat recovery-to-power cycle, its application has not been widely accepted or commercialised due to some thermodynamic feasibility concerns. This study examined the performance analysis and sensitivity of the system parameters on the thermodynamic performance of the TLC power generator systems for waste heat recovery-to-power generation. Thermodynamic models of the simple, recuperative, reheat and regenerative TLCs were established. Performance analysis and sensitivity of the system parameters on the cycles' performance were conducted at the expander inlet temperature of 453 to 473 K, expander pressure of 2 to 3 MPa and expander isentropic efficiency of 50% to 100%. The expander inlet temperatures, pressures, and its isentropic efficiencies have significant effects on the thermodynamic efficiencies and net work output of the cycles. At 473 K cycle high temperature, the thermal efficiencies of the cycles increase from 20.13% to 21.97%, 23.29% to 23.91%, 20.62% to 22.07% and 20.66% to 22.9% for the simple, recuperative, reheat and regenerative TLCs, respectively. Their corresponding net power outputs varied from 131.6 to 134.1 kW, 145.9 to 152.2 kW, 113.8 to 124.1 kW and 124.9 to 130.5 kW, respectively. The cycles' thermodynamic performance increased with an increase in expander inlet temperature, expander pressure and expander isentropic efficiencies.