The Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery (IMP PAN) in Gdansk pursues its own research in fields such as technologies that use renewable energy sources efficiently, including in particular the small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) systems. This article discusses the design concepts for the prototype of small CHP ORC (organic Rankine cycle) energy system, developed under the research project. The source of heat is a boiler designed for biomass combustion. Electricity was generated using specially designed oil-free vapour micro-turbine. The turbo-generator has compact structure and hermetical casing thanks to the use of gas bearings lubricated by working medium. All energy system components are controlled and continuously monitored by a coherent automation and control system. The article also discusses selected experimental results conducted under laboratory conditions. Thermal-flow tests were presented that allow for an assessment of the operation of energy system components. Additionally, energy performance results of the turbo-generator were given including power obtained at various cycle parameters. The achieved results have shown that the developed energy system operated in accordance with design solutions. Electricity derived from the energy system prototype was around 2 kW, with boiler’s thermal power of 25 kW. The research has also confirmed that this system can be used in a domestic environment.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.