Topping cycles and advanced conversion machinery for central power stations
From thermal power conference; Pullman, Washington, USA (3 Oct 1973). The possibility of developing dynamic conversion machines for topping cycles --- expanders and turbines ---that might utilize refractory materials not previously applied to this purpose is investigated. A technological basis for topping cycle systems that will extend the conversion efficiency of central power stations to the range of 55 to 60% is provided. The performance of a small (500 cm/sup 3/ displacement) graphite helical rotor compressor-expander set operating on inert gas for nearly 300 hr at temperatures up to 1500 deg C and rotor speeds to 14,000 rpm is described. In a related program, turbine blades and sound monolithic bodies up to 36 in. characteristic dimension were fabricated of the refractory compounds silicon nitride (Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/) and silicon carbide (SiC), which are compatible with air and combustion products. The application of available materials and power-conversion technology to permit a significant improvement in energy conversion efficiency is discussed. The demonstration of this capability is proposed by devising topping cycle systems incorporating ceramic engines capable of extracting useful energy from combustion heat sources at conditions presently inaccessible. 12 references. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-29-026238
- OSTI ID:
- 4349649
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-75075(Rev.1); CONF-731058-1
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Thermal power conference, Pullman, Washington, USA, 3 Oct 1973; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-74
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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