TY - JOUR AU - Żołądek, Maciej AU - Sornek, Krzysztof AU - Figaj, Rafał Damian AU - Filipowicz, Mariusz PY - 2019 TI - Experimental and numerical analysis of a micro scale cogeneration system with 100 kW straw-fired boiler JF - Journal of Power Technologies; Vol 99 No 2 (2019) KW - micro cogeneration, renewable energy sources, trigeneration, biomass, straw-fired boiler, TRNSYS, dynamic simulations, N2 - Straw-fired batch boilers, due to their simple structure and low operating costs, are an interesting option for heating systems dedicated to use in houses, farms, schools, industrial facilities and other buildings. Commercially available solutions include typical water boilers and air heaters with a thermal oil jacket. The high temperature of thermal oil (180-200C) mean straw-fired devices can be used as a source of heat for micro scale cogeneration and trigeneration systems. The first part of this paper shows an experimental analysis of a micro scale cogeneration system based on modified Rankine Cycle operation. A 100 kWth straw-fired batch boiler with thermal oil jacket was used as a high temperature heat source. Thermal oil, heated in the boiler, was transferred respectively to the evaporator, superheater and oil/water emergency heat exchanger. The steam generated was conditioned and used to power a 20 hp steam engine. Cooling water, heated in the condenser, was pumped to a 4 m3 water tank connected to two air coolers. Control of the system operation was realized using a dedicated automation system based on the PLC controller. In the second part of this study, a micro scale cogeneration system was developed and modelled in TRNSYS software on the basis of the experimental installation. The dynamic operation conditions in terms of temperatures and powers were analyzed for the main components of the system (boiler, evaporator steam engine, condenser). Moreover, some modifications in the system construction were proposed to improve its performance. The results of the experimental tests were used to identify the main aspects of the considered system—temperature, pressure and power levels in oil, steam and water circuits and operating parameters of the steam engine. Dynamic simulations performed in TRNSYS pointed to the nominal operation scenario for the tested system and showed the great potential for further improvements in the system construction. UR - https://papers.itc.pw.edu.pl/index.php/JPT/article/view/1466