Thermodynamic design of a reciprocating Joule cycle engine

Abstract

This paper describes a first-order model of a Reciprocating Joule Cycle (RJC) engine, which is then used to investigate its thermodynamic design with a view to establishing its optimum performance for a given set of operating conditions. The RJC engine is essentially the reciprocating counterpart of the gas turbine. Its performance is determined by the characteristics of a reciprocating, as opposed to a rotodynamic, compressor and expander. The thermodynamic cycle investigated incorporates regenerative heat exchange. An air standard model modified to include the effects of friction, combustion, clearance volumes, leakage and pressure drops, shows that the performance of the RJC engine is strongly dependent on its operating pressure ratio and dependent to a much lesser extent on its expander to compressor swept volume ratio. It is shown that a thermal efficiency approaching 50 per cent might be achievable under realistic conditions. Using a maximum operating temperature of 1300 K, optimum thermal efficiency with a high specific work output occurs when its nominal operating pressure ratio is in the range 6 to 8, and its expander to compressor swept volume ratio is in the range 2 to 3. The RJC engine is proposed as a suitable prime mover for micro-CHP systems, small stand-alone power units, or hybrid vehicles.