Experimental investigation of a Lysholm Turbine operating with superheated, saturated and 2-phase inlet conditions

Abstract

Low temperature power cycles can benefit from the use of multi-phase flow expansion devices from a thermodynamic cycle efficiency point of view. Particularly power cycles such as ORC, Kalina and Trilateral Flash Cycles can be improved by multi-phase expansion. This article presents the experimental findings in a series of laboratory tests on a semihermetic Lysholm Turbine operating with R134a with superheated, saturated and wet inlet gas conditions. The test arrangements are described as well as discussion on the relevance of such test data.Finally comparison is made with findings from other investigations and recommendations for further studies are made. A correlation between peak efficiency and sensitivity to inlet vapour fraction was discovered which allows for estimations of adiabatic efficiencies with 2-phase inlet conditions even when only test data, or simulations, from single phase inlet conditions exist.The conclusions made are that Lysholm Turbines are well suited for low temperature power generation and that further understanding of the performance during 2-phase conditions is required.