Kalina cycle

The Kalina cycle is a thermodynamic cycle for converting thermal energy to mechanical power, optimized for use with thermal sources which are at a relatively low temperature compared to the heat sink (or ambient) temperature. The cycle uses a working fluid comprised of at least two different components (typically water and ammonia) and a ratio between those components is varied in different parts of the system to increase thermodynamic reversibility and therefore increase overall thermodynamic efficiency. There are multiple variants of Kalina cycle systems specifically applicable for different types of heat sources. Several proof of concept power plants using the Kalina cycle have been built.

The Kalina cycle was invented by the Russian engineer Aleksandr Kalina.

References

http://www.geothermie.de/gte/gte46/geothermal_power_plant.htm

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6820421-fulltext.html

ee also

External links

* [http://vganapathy.tripod.com/kalina.html Overview of the Kalina Cycle]