Novel Combined‐Cycle Low‐Temperature Engine System

A major low‐tech breakthrough in applied thermodynamics employs a new concept for application of combined cycle benefits to increase thermodynamic efficiency of power‐plant turbine cycles. Substantial increases in net plant power output for distribution are readily available. The new low‐temperature engine system (LTES) cycle involves combining a refrigeration cycle and a power turbine cycle. All components involved have a long history of reliability requiring no prolonged new technology research and development program to place a hardware prototype in service. Only the arrangement of these familiar components in combined cycle relationship is new. Thermodynamic relationships between the cycles are reviewed. An analytic method is presented that permits magnitude of potential‐power increases to be expected from LTES for a candidate site to be anticipated without tracing entire cycles. Conventional thermodynamic methods to plan a cycle application are commonplace handbook procedures. Net power‐plant output increases 6% for coal fired plants, 12% for nuclear plants, and 22% for geothermal plants. Environmental benefits are significant.