ReGen Power Systems is developing a line of moderate temperature Stirling engines to
convert excess process heat to power. These will be configured to handle various heat
conditions to maximize the amount of power produced.
One configuration, for example, will employ two engines operated as a combined cycle
power system, as shown in the diagram below. This condition assumes availability of a
hot gas exhaust with a temperature in excess of 600°F. In the first stage, a high
temperature heat transfer fluid is converted to a vapor by passing through a heat
exchanger in the exhaust flue. The vapor carries the heat away from the flue and
delivers it to the first-stage engine heat exchanger. There, the vapor condenses, and
its latent heat is used to drive the first-stage engine at an efficiency of 25%. Once
condensed, the 490°F fluid returns back to the exhaust flue and the cycle is repeated.
The second cycle utilizes a separate heat exchanger, placed in the exhaust duct, which
produces low pressure steam. The low pressure steam is delivered to the low
temperature Stirling engine heat exchanger where it condenses and, again, the latent
heat is used to drive the second stage engine at an efficiency of 13%. The 210°F
water is then returned to the heat exchanger, and that cycle is repeated.
convert excess process heat to power. These will be configured to handle various heat
conditions to maximize the amount of power produced.
One configuration, for example, will employ two engines operated as a combined cycle
power system, as shown in the diagram below. This condition assumes availability of a
hot gas exhaust with a temperature in excess of 600°F. In the first stage, a high
temperature heat transfer fluid is converted to a vapor by passing through a heat
exchanger in the exhaust flue. The vapor carries the heat away from the flue and
delivers it to the first-stage engine heat exchanger. There, the vapor condenses, and
its latent heat is used to drive the first-stage engine at an efficiency of 25%. Once
condensed, the 490°F fluid returns back to the exhaust flue and the cycle is repeated.
The second cycle utilizes a separate heat exchanger, placed in the exhaust duct, which
produces low pressure steam. The low pressure steam is delivered to the low
temperature Stirling engine heat exchanger where it condenses and, again, the latent
heat is used to drive the second stage engine at an efficiency of 13%. The 210°F
water is then returned to the heat exchanger, and that cycle is repeated.
A second example of how the system would work is shown in the diagram below. Here,
low pressure steam from an industrial process such as a paper or chemical plant is
directed to a low temperature Stirling engine. In this case the steam is condensed on
the hot side heat exchanger of the Stirling engine and the condensate is returned to
the plant boiler system. The Stirling engine extracts the latent heat from the steam and
converts it into electricity at 13% efficiency.
low pressure steam from an industrial process such as a paper or chemical plant is
directed to a low temperature Stirling engine. In this case the steam is condensed on
the hot side heat exchanger of the Stirling engine and the condensate is returned to
the plant boiler system. The Stirling engine extracts the latent heat from the steam and
converts it into electricity at 13% efficiency.
ReGen Power Systems
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