Abstract:
This research aimed to experimentally investigate the performance of a novel co-generation system designed for mechanical work and steam generation. The primary concept underlying the proposed system involved utilizing the heat losses from the internal combustion engine as a useful output. These heat losses, such as exhaust gas, cooling water, and surface loss, typically account for about 60% of a typical engines total energy. If this high level of heat losses can be recovered and utilized for steam generation, as demonstrated in this research, the overall thermal efficiency will be increased.
The experimental setup consisted of a single cylinder four-stroke diesel engine installed in a pressure vessel, along with a water pump and a plumbing system. Three system configurations were operated: 1) the tank lid was opened, and the exhaust gas was released into the atmosphere, 2) the tank lid was closed, and the exhaust gas was released into the atmosphere, and 3) the tank lid was closed, and the exhaust gas was circulated back into the tank.
The results of the experimental study revealed that all dissipated heat from internal combustion could be used to generate steam with a temperature and pressure of 122°C and 1.5 bar, respectively. The induction of exhaust gas back into the pressure shell resulted in lower engine thermal efficiency, decreasing from 22% to 18%. However, if the generated steam was considered as a useful output, the overall efficiency was increased.