Application of the Manometric Engine to Increase Power Plant Efficiency Available to Purchase

Approximately 50% of the total heat input to steam-driven Rankine cycle thermoelectric power plants is rejected through the condenser. Cogeneration increases plant efficiency by applying part of the total input heat directly to some end process. However, this can be a severe limitation to those power producers interested only in generating electric power. This paper describes the application of the manometric engine to directly convert a significant portion of this waste heat to either electric power or compressed air. High plant efficiencies are thus achieved, with a concomitant reduction of emissions and increase of profitability, without the need for an off-site process to utilize the waste heat.