Design of a Novel Quad-Generation Distributed Energy Demonstration Plant

The power water extraction and refrigeration (PoWER) — a derivative of the high pressure regenerative turbine engine (HPRTE) — has been investigated as part of the distributed energy concept. The ability of the cycle to hold efficiency nearly constant over a wide range of loads and ambient condition is a strong advantage over other concepts. Additional benefits in water extraction and auxiliary refrigeration also pose attractive possibilities. The semi-closed cycle allows for operation in the flameless combustion regime, which can yield substantial emissions reductions as well as fuel flexibility. As part of a continuing effort to illustrate this cycle’s potential, an on-grid demonstration plant is being constructed. The project is part of a collaboration among the University of Florida, Florida Turbine Technology, Energy Concepts, Inc., and Progress Energy. This new pilot plant, while not demonstrating the high efficiency of fully optimized product, is intended to validate cycle analysis codes, produce air conditioning and fresh water, and allow startup and part power operation to be assessed. Quantifying the transient performance, physics-bases multivariate control, and fundamental investigation into the flameless combustion regime — especially with bio-derived fuels — are also goals of the project. This paper describes the modeling effort for the design of the demonstration plant. The modeling proceeded in parallel with the plant development, and was used for hardware selection, integration of the various subsystems, as well as to aid in initial testing of the plant. The model has full capability to predict plant performance over a wide range of steady state conditions. The effect of different fuels and ambient can be considered. Once validated by actual performance data, this code can be used for further prediction, as well as to explore future plant modifications.