Augmented Kalina Cycle Using Renewable Energy as Input for Power Generation

Kalina cycle is an idealized thermodynamic cycle that generates power using a binary mixture as a working substance. Depending on the application, the Kalina Cycle increase power plant efficiency by 10% to 50% over the Organic Rankine Cycle. The relative advantage of the Kalina cycle rises when operating temperatures are reduced and Kalina cycle is generating by mixture. Kalina cycle is identified as a bottoming cycle that demonstrates improved efficiency. Ammonia-water mixture is high-energy than a single component. Producing electricity of the inlet turbine and the temperature of the separator increase the performance of the cycle. It may be more effective to use the Kalina cycle for concentrating renewable energy sources such as solar power plants that use direct steam production to enhance heat exchange efficiency, and therefore, increase total system performance. This research attempts to build a Kalina cycle system, which will help to transform the natural source from sunlight to energy. Python open-source software has been used to design and implement the Kalina cycle. The suggested cycles include various types of solar collectors and extra heat recovery technologies. Systems uses a medium temperature heat source to analyze the Kalina cycle for different system characteristics and to conduct parametric research to determine which input temperature, ammonia concentrations, separator temperatures yield the optimal energy production. The Kalina cycle of binary plants generates 30% to 50 % more power for a provided heat source. With the Kalina cycle as a bottoming cycle for a cogeneration plant, the exhaust gas temperature has been reduced from 427 K to 350 K, which reduces the environmental impact.