Analysis of the Efficiency of a Power Generating Plant Operating on the Basis of the Brayton Thermodynamic Cycle and Energy Recuperation

Abstract

The thermal scheme of a power generating plant with a remote heat exchanger operating according to the Brayton cycle with energy recuperation is considered. It is assumed that the plant will work on non-certified (cheap) biofuel. It is shown that, in contrast to the usual Brayton cycle, in the cycle with energy recuperation, the greatest influence on the thermal efficiency is the heating temperature of the working medium and the internal efficiency of the main components of the plant, such as the compressor and the turbine. Also, in contrast to the usual Brayton cycle, a higher efficiency of the plant is achieved with smaller degrees of pressure reduction (increase) in the turbine (compressor). It was established that even at a relatively low temperature of the working medium heating (500 ºC), with high efficiency of the compressor and turbine, it is possible to achieve good characteristics of the power plant as a whole. At a temperature of up to 850 ºC, a thermal efficiency of 40% is achieved, but in this case the cost of materials and production increases. For a final conclusion about the possibility of using the proposed plant and its efficiency, it is necessary to conduct additional studies, in particular, of its main elements, such as a compressor, turbine, heat exchanger and others.