New Closed Cycle Cryogenic Electric and Coal-Fired Power Production Systems

摘要

The NASA Glenn Research Center participated in the Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), which concluded that "topping cycles" such as molten carbonate fuel cells or magneto-hydrodynamic power cycles would greatly increase the combined topping cycle/steam cycle efficiency into the low 50% level. Further independent investigation by myself examined cryogenic bottoming cycles which operate from ambient (300 degrees K) down to absolute zero. These cycles were presented in patent US 10,132,201 B2, which includes cryogenic helium, neon, argon and nitrogen closed cycles with potential cycle efficiencies up to 80%. These cycles operate as bottoming cycles to conventional steam cycles reaching into the 70% combined cycle range. The potential of these closed cycles operating off of ambient heat alone and generating power appears potentially feasible. More detailed analysis of these liquids flowing in piping systems buried in ground surfaces is required, followed by necessary experiments. The best feature of cryogenic fluids is that they act like coolants when in the ground, and thus contribute to climate temperature reduction. These new cryogenic power sources are potentially the key to total climate control, where earth bound sensible heat is converted directly to power without a combustion step. Extended discussion will center on retrofitting coal-fired power plants.