Small Engines as Bottoming Cycle Steam Expanders for Internal Combustion Engines
Journal of Combustion
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/174213832 views
9 pages
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Abstract
Heat recovery bottoming cycles for internal combustion engines have opened new avenues for research into small steam expanders (Stobart and Weerasinghe, 2006). Dependable data for small steam expanders will allow us to predict their suitability as bottoming cycle engines and the fuel economy achieved by using them as bottoming cycles. Present paper is based on results of experiments carried out on small scale Wankel and two-stroke reciprocating engines as air expanders and as steam expanders. A test facility developed at Sussex used for measurements is comprised of a torque, power and speed measurements, electronic actuation of valves, synchronized data acquisition of pressure, and temperatures of steam and inside of the engines for steam and internal combustion cycles. Results are presented for four engine modes, namely, reciprocating engine in uniflow steam expansion mode and air expansion mode and rotary Wankel engine in steam expansion mode and air expansion mode. The air tests ...
Key takeaways
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- Small steam engines can serve effectively as bottoming cycle expanders in internal combustion engines.
- Experiments confirm that small engines, particularly Wankel and reciprocating types, can operate efficiently with steam.
- The optimum supply pressure for maximum efficiency in steam expansion is approximately 30 bars.
- The study establishes a baseline for future research on small steam engine performance and reliability.
- Engine simulations will complement experimental data, supporting the development of medium-scale steam engines.
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FAQs
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When comparing reciprocating and Wankel engines, which is more suitable for heat recovery?add
The results indicate that the Wankel engine shows superior power and torque characteristics as a steam expander, outperforming the reciprocating engine in this specific application.