Effect of Intercooling on the Performance of Micro CHP Systems

In recent years, the development of distributed power generation has resulted in significant reduction in network losses and transmission costs while it has increased reliability. Microturbine is one of these power generators that has the ability of relatively high power generation in spite of its small volume [1], [2]. In order to modify microturbine cycle characteristics, presentation and analysis of advanced configurations are mportant. Use of intercooling between compressors is one of these configurations. In this configuration, outlet air of the first compressor is ooled in the compact heat exchanger whit water and then entered the second compressor. In this paper, mentioned configuration is studied for various quantities of heat and power in CHP mode. In present study, each part of cycle is modeled exactly based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Considering these models, effects of varying parameters such as compressor pressure ratio, produced vapor pressure, and recuperator effectiveness on the main cycle characteristics are studied. Results show that microturbine with intercooler and recuperator (MTC-IC) is the best option, with regard to efficiency and power criteria, but its steam production is less than simple cycle with recuperator (MTC). For MTC-IC, increasing pressure ratio, power is increased compared to simple cycle. For example, this increase reaches 18% at pressure ratio of 5. Also, studied configuration has more efficiency and is a proper option for combined heat and power generation systems, especially at bypass ratios greater than 0.5.