PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF AN IMPROVED EXTERNAL COMBUSTION HOT AIR POWER SYSTEM

摘要

A novel open cycle, external combustion power system is described. It is characterized by an isothermal, expansion as in classical Ericsson and Stirling cycles, by thermally enhanced combustion and by recuperation. One mechanical embodiment of the proposed hot air system is a hot air turbine power system with external combustion. Analysis predicts the variation of specific work and efficiency as a function of the compression ratio and temperature of the isothermal expansion. The basic heat transfer problem, which is characteristic of all external combustion systems, is identified and analyzed. Specific opportunities for heat transfer enhancement are described and feasibility is demonstrated.