A nonconventional thermodynamic converter, called thermogravimetric system, capable of generating mechanical-electric energy is described in the present work. Such plant is basically an interesting application of a liquid-vapor two-phase flow, evolving in elevated vertical ducts of a large diameter. The most significant plants—those working with liquid lead/steam and liquid lead/PP 50 C5F12—have been analyzed in more detail. Plant height Z, power W (0.5–4 MW), and overall efficiency ηo have been evaluated through an appropriate calculus code, particularly regarding the two-phase flow behavior.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
direct energy conversion, two-phase flow, thermodynamic properties, power plants, Energy Conversion, Two-Phase Flow
Topics:
Cycles, Ducts, Energy conversion, Fluids, Pressure, Temperature, Two-phase flow, Water, Thermodynamic cycles, Steam, Vapors
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