Design and Performance of a Small-Power Clausius-Rankine Process

In recent years, an increasing awareness of the shortness of raw materials has led to an improved utilization of the energy input in thermal processes. Utilization of the heat generated in such processes and machinery can improve the overall efficiency of the latter and converse raw materials. In particular, combustion engines have a poor overall efficiency due to the high-temperature exhaust gases they produce. The classical Clausius-Rankine process can be applied to such machines in order to utilize the heat generated so as to provide turbocharging of the latter. The design of such a Clausius-Rankine process in connection with a newly developed steam turbine based upon the Pelton principle is presented. In this design, particular value is placed upon the small size of individual units and a comparability with actual thermodynamic conditions in combustion engines.