RE: GAS-L: Gas "topping" turbines

[Weststeijn A <A.Weststeijn@epz.nl>]

Dear List,

With respect to the Kalina cycle and "gas turbines", 

I find:

1) the Kalina cycle being referenced as "bottoming cycle" (i.e. not topping
cycle) in what is basically a modified steam cycle. Deriving its main
advantage from more optimal behaviour of the working fluid (water/ammonia
mixure) at the low temperature end of the cycle.

2) that probably being the reason for interest from the side of geothermal
power plants as well.

3) no reason why the same principals wouldn't work for small steam turbines
as linked to biomass fired gasturbines.

4)  big power industry manufacturer names have associated themselves for CHP
applications, like GE, Ansaldo and ABB/Combustion Engineering. Sounds
promising.

5) as Peter Singfield says:
> It is now being applied in many new large power plants around the world.
Check out this reference for 5 operational demo projects (as of June 2000) ,
the largest being the 6 MW(elec?) CHP pilot plant in Canoga Park, CA:
http://www.gwm.net/ebarex/projects.htm

6) efficiency improvements quoted anywhere between 10-50%.

7) no good story yet as how to deal with the (unfriendly) ammonia atmosphere
in which the full cycle operates. This has severe repercussions from an OSHA
point of view and will require the full boiler+htex+turbine+condenser train
to operate under a stringent technical and operational regime. This is not
to be taken lightly! One reference quotes the working fluid as no less than
70% ammonia concentration.


Andries Weststeijn

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