Rankine cycle power plant - using propionic acid as working fluid with high b. pt. and low freezing pt.

摘要

A Rankine cycle power plant system using propionic acid (I) as working fluid is new. The system, which is pref. sealed to prevent loss of (I) which can then be used repeatedly, comprises a boiler and an engine connected by a feed line and a return line. Opt. the return line includes a preheater tank and an air-cooled condenser, pref. thermostatically controlled. (I) has b.pt. 286 degrees F so is easily condensed by ambient air and has freezing pt. -4 degrees F so will not freeze under normal conditions (and even then will freeze without expansion). Efficiency loss due to cylinder condensation are unlikely because the vapour remains superheated after expansion even at 100% expansion efficiency. The system is less polluting than internal combustion engines and is suitable for mobile equipment, solar heating and air conditioning systems.