Implementation of multifunctional power-generating systems as a basis for effective solution of small-scale power generation

Abstract

The principal cause of the slow development of smallscale power generation in remote regions of the Russian Federation is the fact that technical solutions entrenched in the design of power plants operating on internal combustion engines (ICE), which are the basic source of power supplied to these regions, have exhausted their potential for continued improvement in energy effectiveness. It is submitted that the situation can be radically changed by use of a multifunctional power-generating system (MPGS) based on hybrid modular power plants (Fig. 1). The indicated system can be the basic autonomous energy supply for consumers, above all, in regions of the North, Siberia, and the Far East. This is confirmed by results of theoretical and experimental investigations of MPGS processes conducted under field (Vorkuta – “Zapolyarnaya” wind-driven power plant) and factory conditions (bench tests). The design layout of the MPGS makes it possible to provide for increased energy efficiency of autonomous powersupply systems (APSS) by: — improving the parameters of the components (modules) of the system; — optimizing the operating modes of the system and its components; — developing and implementing new energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RES); and, — converting to the new design layout for APSS. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the power-generating process of the MPGS have demonstrated its technico-economic effectiveness and advantages over power plants driven by ICE: — a 10 – 20 % fuel saving by optimizing the operating modes of the ICE alone, and a 20 – 30 % saving by use of wind-driven power plants (WDPP); — short life expectancies (3 – 5 years, depending on the region); — multiple functionability (production of motor fuels, and electric and thermal energy); — ability to function on multiple fuels (diesel fuel, crude oil, gas condensate, natural gas, coal, peat, wood-processing wastes, generator gas, hydrogen, etc.); — standard sizes and structural unification; — transportability (dictated by the modular layout of MPGS); an increase in fuel utilization factor from 0.4 – 0.45 to 0.8 – 0.85 by complex utilization of the heat given off by the ICE; — adaptability to climatic (zonal) conditions; — compatibility between characteristics of the power modules (an increase of 10 – 20 % in the efficiency of the ICE in the partial-load mode); Power Technology and Engineering Vol. 43, No. 5, 2009