Use of LNG Cold Potential in the Cogeneration Cycle of Ship Power Plants

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a numerical study on the parameters that affect the efficiency of the cogeneration cycle of a ship’s power plant. The efficiency was assessed based on the excess power (Ngen.) of a free turbine, operated with the inflow of gaseous nitrogen, which was used to generate electricity. A mathematical model and simulation of the regenerative cycle were created and adjusted to operate with a dual-fuel (diesel-liquid natural gas (LNG)) six-cylinder four-stroke engine, where the energy of the exhaust gas was converted into mechanical work of the regenerative cycle turbine. The most significant factors for Ngen. were identified by parametrical analysis of the cogeneration cycle: in the presence of an ‘external’ unlimited cold potential of the LNG, Ngen. determines an exhaust gas temperature Teg of power plant; the pressure of the turbo unit and nitrogen flow are directly proportional to Ngen. When selecting the technological units for cycle realization, it is rational to use high flow and average πT pressure (~3.0–3.5 units) turbo unit with a high adiabatic efficiency turbine. The effect of the selected heat exchangers with an efficiency of 0.9–1.0 on Ngen. did not exceed 10%. With LNG for ‘internal’ use in a ship as a fuel, the lowest possible temperature of N2 is necessary, because each 10 K increment in N2 entering the compressor decreases Ngen. by 5–8 kW, i.e., 5–6%.