is it better to use a diesel generator or a steam turbine to make electricity (200-800KW)
Post 1 of 5
is it better to use a diesel generator or a steam turbine to make electricity (200-800KW)
18 Oct 2007 00:35
Post 2 of 5
Replying to [qianshou]:'Neither.
At these sizes, it's most efficient to use a gas turbine, in which the expanding gas of the burning fuel turns the turbine directly, rather than going through the lossy process of boiling water. A large gas turbine can be as much as 57% efficient in electricity production, which is far higher than a diesel engine.
A gallon of diesel fuel contains about 130,000 BTU, or 137 megajoules (MJ). At a 55% conversion rate, that would mean 75.35 MJ of electricity. There are 3.6 MJ in a KWh, so that's 20.9 KWh per gallon of diesel, or 20,930 KWh for 1000 gallons.
At these sizes, it's most efficient to use a gas turbine, in which the expanding gas of the burning fuel turns the turbine directly, rather than going through the lossy process of boiling water. A large gas turbine can be as much as 57% efficient in electricity production, which is far higher than a diesel engine.
A gallon of diesel fuel contains about 130,000 BTU, or 137 megajoules (MJ). At a 55% conversion rate, that would mean 75.35 MJ of electricity. There are 3.6 MJ in a KWh, so that's 20.9 KWh per gallon of diesel, or 20,930 KWh for 1000 gallons.
18 Oct 2007 00:46
Post 3 of 5
Replying to [qianshou]:'Power is far too low for a steam system even combined cycle gas turbine with waste heat to generate steam for steam turbine. It would be a very complex expensive system.
Mini and micro gas turbines are being developed (although for this power you will only get efficiencies around 30% perhaps) and may be a best option.
Mini and micro gas turbines are being developed (although for this power you will only get efficiencies around 30% perhaps) and may be a best option.
18 Oct 2007 02:28
Post 4 of 5
Replying to [qianshou]:The diesel engine has only one energy transfer, diesel to fire, which drives the engine. With a steam engine there are three energy transfers, diesel to fire, fire to water, and water to steam. The more energy transfers there are, the less efficient the machine will be.
18 Oct 2007 03:14
Post 5 of 5
Replying to [yufang]:does any one know of a company who sell a 10kva steam turbin or a little bigger or any idea of any thing like it
05 Nov 2007 18:55
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