A Flexible Fuel Semi-Closed Combined Cycle for Power, Refrigeration and Water

The High Pressure Regenerative Turbine Engine (HPRTE) has been investigated since the mid 1990s as the distributed energy system, among other applications, for civilian or military use. Previous literature describing its modeling and experimental demonstration have indicated several benefits, especially when combined with a Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS) in a novel way. The benefits includes increased efficiency, high part power efficiency, small lapse rate, compactness, low emissions, low air exhaust flows (which decrease filtration and ducting) and condensation of fresh water. The current paper describes the preliminary design and modeling of a modified version of this system applied to distributed energy, especially in regions which are prone to major grid interruptions due to hurricanes, under-capacity, or terrorism. In such cases, the distributed energy system should support most or all services within an isolated “island” so that the influence of the power outage is limited in scope. In addition, the paper will describe the possible production of ice, under emergency conditions, using the fresh condensate plus other water sources.Copyright © 2007 by ASME