Optimizing Energy Conversion in Heat Engine using Methane Gas

This is not a new concept it's called Cogeneration. Where I work they burn natural gas to produce electricity and use the exhaust gases to heat a steam boiler (the exhaust gases could then be used to heat the factory in winter).

Most real engneering projects are a trade off between initial cost, running cost/efficiency, maintainability and project life. Many schemes that are technically possible (like the one you suggest) aren't worth doing once ALL the costs are summed.

I've recently read that BMW (or Mecedes) are developing a secondary engine the runs off the exhaust heat. It'll be interesting to see if the additional weight, initial cost and extra maintenance are justified when they look at the benefits. ffeJ

Hi ffej

It is NOT claimed that the presentation is anything NEW. But, the idea is to DEFINE a Process Concept, which in this case is to create about 80% HEAT CONVERSION Efficiency.

Your correct statement:

"Most real engneering projects are a trade off between initial cost, running cost/efficiency, maintainability and project life."

Discussion on that:

1. One of the greatest inventors on earth (ever lived) EDISON, pooh-poohed the Alternating Current power supply as "ridiculous", comparing that with his DC generators and Power (at that time)and stating that to be the ONLY thing needed. But, soon, TECHNOLOGY overtook even the "great discoveries"!

2. Just because we DO NOT have Appropriate Technology (at present) to arrive at economically converting Heat energy to reach 80% efficiency levels, the idea that we should NOT attempt anything on that subject is NOT correct thinking. The very fact that THIS is a problem now ... needs our brains to be "racked" toward arriving at some practical answers

WE NEED to Work on this ... as the world's biggest problem, apart from "equitable distribution of material resources", is that concerned with ENERGY and WASTES.

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/14412#newcomments

pvhramani

well said.

I wonder how you arrived at your "process concept". Did you just stick thermocouples on the exhaust because there was spare space on the drawing or have you done a bit of careful study on their cost/efficiency at such temperatures.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't attempt anything new (that's how I make my living), just that economics are vital in any real world design. A poor villager isn't going to buy a more efficient generator, if the savings don't cover the difference in purchase cost. ffeJ