Numerical simulation and low speed experiment of a low partially admitted rate axial turbine for small scale organic Rankine cycle

Sun, Hongchuang; Li, Haokai; Gao, Peng; Hou, Feng; Hung, Tzu-Chen; Chang, Yu-Hsuan; Lin, Chun-Wei; Qin, Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.122002

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Here, the exceptions are [9] with a four-stage arrangement and [7,10] with radial inflow-radial-outflow cantilever turbines. In order to reduce the typically high rotational speed demand of small turbines, Sun et al [11] followed the approach of extreme partial admissions (ε = 3.3%). A partial admission means that only a portion of the wheel's arc is submitted to the flow.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concept and Design of a Velocity Compounded Radial Four-Fold Re-Entry Turbine for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Applications

Streit,

Weiß,

Stümpfl

et al. 2024

Energies

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The energy sector faces a pressing need for significant transformation to curb CO2 emissions. For instance, Czechia and Germany have taken steps to phase out fossil thermal power plants by 2038, opting instead for a greater reliance on variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Nonetheless, thermal power plants will still have roles, too. While the conventional multistage axial turbine design has been predominant in large-scale power plants for the past century, it is unsuitable for small-scale decentralized projects due to complexity and cost. To address this, the study investigates less common turbine types, which were discarded as they demonstrated lower efficiency. One design is the Elektra turbine, characterized by its velocity compounded radial re-entry configuration. The Elektra turbine combines the advantages of volumetric expanders (the low rotational speed requirement) with the advantages of a turbine (no rubbing seals, no lubrication in the working fluid, wear is almost completely avoided). Thus, the research goal of the authors is the implementation of a 10 kW-class ORC turbine driving a cost-effective off-the-shelf 3000 rpm generator. The paper introduces the concept of the Elektra turbine in comparison to other turbines and proposes this approach for an ORC working fluid. In the second part, the 1D design and 3D–CFD optimization of the 7 kW Elektra turbine working with Hexamethyldisiloxane (MM) is performed. Finally, CFD efficiency characteristics of various versions of the Elektra are presented and critically discussed regarding the originally defined design approach. The unsteady CFD calculation of the final Elektra version showed 46% total-to-static isentropic efficiency.

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