Performance analysis and sensitivity of system parameters on the performance of trilateral-cycle power generator systems

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Trilateral cycle
• waste heat recovery
• heat recovery-to-power generation
• performance metrics
• sensitivity analysis

Nomenclature

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

H. A. Ajimotokan

H. A. Ajimotokan (PhD, REng) is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Process and Energy Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. He is a Mechanical Process and Energy Engineering specialist with research interest in Catalysis for Energy and Bioproducts; Renewable Energy and Systems; Heat Recovery-to-Power Systems; Material Energy Efficiency and Sustainability; and Process Simulation and Optimisation. He earned his PhD, Energy and Power Engineering with specialisation in Process and Energy Systems Engineering from Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

K. R. Ajao

K. R. Ajao (PhD, REng) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His research focus is on Renewable Energy; Renewable Energy Systems; and Production Engineering. He earned his PhD from University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

A. B. Rabiu

A. B. Rabiu (REng) is a Lecturer and Graduate Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His areas of research interests include Renewable Energy; Renewable Energy Systems; and Thermofluids Engineering.

T. Yahaya

T. Yahaya (REng) is a Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Ilorin; and a Graduate Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His areas of research interests include Renewable Energy; and Material Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.

A. Nasir

A. Nasir (PhD, REng) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. His research focus is on Energy Studies; and Thermofluids Engineering. He earned his PhD from Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

I. K. Adegun

I. K. Adegun (PhD, REng) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His research focus is on Thermofluids; and Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation. He earned his PhD from University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

O. T. Popoola

O. T. Popoola (REng) is a Lecturer and Graduate Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His areas of research interests include Energy Studies; and Thermofluids Engineering