Small-Scale Solar–Bio-Hybrid Power Generation Using Brayton and Rankine Cycles

Mauricio Bustamante, Abraham Engeda and Wei Liao
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Mauricio Bustamante: School of Biosystems Engineering, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
Abraham Engeda: Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1323, USA
Wei Liao: Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1323, USA

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: This study conducted a detailed technical analysis of small-scale solar–bio-hybrid power generation systems using Rankine (steam turbine) and Brayton (gas turbine) cycles. Thermodynamic models were developed to characterize the state of working fluid and select the most suitable solar collection technology for individual power generation systems. Net capacity factor of power generation and utilization efficiencies of solar and biogas energy were used as parameters to evaluate energy generation and conclude the preferred system configuration. The analysis concluded that the steam turbine system has better global efficiency (67.7%) than the gas turbine system (55.7%), while the gas turbine system has better electricity generation efficiency (27.0%) than that (5.6%) of the steam turbine system. The effects of different climates on the selection of suitable hybrid systems were also investigated to delineate suitability and feasibility of different hybrid systems. In addition, the method used in this study can also be applied to investigate and optimize other small-scale hybrid renewable energy generation systems.

Keywords: biogas; solar hybridization; net capacity factor; micro gas turbine; micro steam turbine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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