Title: The isoengine: realisation of a high-efficiency power cycle based on isothermal compression

Authors: Claus Linnemann, Mike W. Coney

Addresses: RWE Innogy Plc., Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 6PB, UK. ' RWE Innogy Plc., Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 6PB, UK

Abstract: A novel high-efficiency internal combustion engine for power generation and direct-drive applications is being developed. Distillate-fuelled power plants in units of 7 MW electrical output are predicted to reach a net electrical efficiency of 60%. An efficiency of 58% is targeted for the gas-fired version. This compares with a net electrical efficiency of about 45% for advanced reciprocating engines of similar output but conventional design, and represents a step change in the efficiency of distributed power plant. Besides distillate oil and natural gas, the engine will be able to use suitable biofuels for efficient power generation. A 3 MW prototype engine using the full-scale engine geometry has been built to confirm the performance of the isoengine cycle. A partnership agreement has been signed by RWE Innogy and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding for the future testing and development of the engine.

Keywords: reciprocating internal combustion engine; isothermal compression; high efficiency; distributed generation; CHP; combined heat and power; recuperator; compressed air energy storage; high-temperature fuel cells; power generation; direct-drive; distillate oil; natural gas; biofuels; isoengine.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2005.006740

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2005 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.66 - 84

Published online: 05 Apr 2005 *

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