A technical and financial analysis of two recuperated, reciprocating engine driven power plants. Part 1: Thermodynamic analysis

Abstract

This paper is the first of a two part study that analyses the technical and financial performance of particular, recuperated engine systems. This first paper presents a thermodynamic study of two systems. The first system involves the chemical recuperation of a reciprocating, spark ignited, internal combustion engine using only the waste heat of the engine to power a steam-methane reformer. The performance of this system is evaluated for different coolant loads and steam-methane ratios. The second system is a so-called 'hybrid' in which not only the waste heat of the engine is used, but also a secondary heat source - the combustion of biomass. The effects of the reformer's temperature and th..