(170b) Miniaturization Aspects of Thermodynamic Cycle Processes for Mobile Energy Generation
AIChE Spring Meeting and Global Congress on Process Safety
2008
2008 Spring Meeting & 4th Global Congress on Process Safety
Emerging Energy Frontiers in Research and Innovation
Microfluidics and Microreactor Applications to Energy Generation
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 10:20am to 10:45am
Conventional energy generation is mainly done in thermodynamic circle processes such as steam power process (Brayton or Clausius-Rankine process) or gas turbine process (Joule process). For smaller units, piston machines are used. Since nearly a decade, there are attempts to miniaturize thermodynamic processes for mobile energy supply.
This contribution gives an overview about the recent activities in microstructured thermodynamic cycles. The limits by heat transfer, maintenance of temperature differences and viscous dissipation will be encountered against the gain of these devices.