PROTOTYPE OF THE DOMESTIC CHP ORC SYSTEM: CONSTRUCTION AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

asme-orc2015 Tracking Number 58

The micro CHP power plant with ORC is nowadays one of the fastest growing technologies, when it comes to combined generation of heat and power on a small scale [1]. This paper presents the prototype of such a power plant, elaborated at the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery PASci, Gdansk. The first launch of the prototype took place in April 2014. Since then, different types of experimental research are conducted the purpose of which is to assess the characteristics of constructed installation and its optimization. The paper discusses the construction of the micro cogeneration power plant with ORC, its main subassemblies and experimentally determined characteristics. While designing this device, unique at a national scale, previous research results have been used [2]. The source of heat is a newly-developed boiler, adapted to burn biomass. Electricity was generated thanks to specially designed vapour microturbine [3]. The gas bearings which are supplied by working medium allow the turbogenerator to have a space-saving, hermetical structure. All power plant subassemblies are controlled and monitored by common automation system. In the article the selected results of experimental studies which has been carried out since the first launch are discussed. Thermal and flow characteristics were presented, allowing the evaluation of operating efficiency of boiler, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and other subassemblies. In addition, the test results concerning turbogenerator were attached, including its power output and efficiency for various cycle parameters. Vibration level was also monitored during the experimental studies. The results obtained showed that the developed prototype operates in accordance with design solutions and boiler’s thermal output of 25 kW makes it possible to generate more than 2 kW of electric power. The results also confirmed that this system may be used to develop a commercial version for this type of device. REFERENCES [1] J. Kiciński, Do we have chance for small-scale energy generation? The examples of technologies and devices for distributed energy systems in micro & small scale in Poland. Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Technical Sciences, Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 749-756, 2013 [2] T. Kaczmarczyk, E. Ihnatowicz, S. Bykuć, G. Żywica, Z. Kozanecki, Experimental investigation of the ORC system in a cogenerative domestic power plant with a microturbine and an expansion valve. ASME ORC 2013, 2nd International Seminar on ORC Power System, Rotterdam (The Netherlands), 2013 [3] J. Kiciński, G. Żywica, Steam microturbines in distributed cogeneration, Springer 2014