Megawatt-scale application of thermoelectric devices in thermal power plants

Knox, A. R., Buckle, J., Siviter, J., Montecucco, A. and McCulloch, E. (2013) Megawatt-scale application of thermoelectric devices in thermal power plants. Journal of Electronic Materials, 42(7), pp. 1807-1813. (doi: 10.1007/s11664-012-2434-6)

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Abstract

Despite the recent investment in renewable and sustainable energy sources, over 95% of the UK’s electrical energy generation relies on the use of thermal power plants utilizing the Rankine cycle. Advanced supercritical Rankine cycle power plants typically have a steam temperature in excess of 600°C at a pressure of 290 bar and yet still have an overall efficiency below 50%, with much of this wasted energy being rejected to the environment through the condenser/cooling tower. This paper examines the opportunity for large-scale application of thermoelectric heat pumps to modify the Rankine cycle in such plants by preheating the boiler feedwater using energy recovered from the condenser system at a rate of approximately 1 MWth per °C temperature rise. A derivation of the improved process cycle efficiency and breakeven coefficient of performance required for economic operation is presented for a typical supercritical 600-MWe installation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Knox, Professor Andrew and Montecucco, Dr Andrea and Siviter, Dr Jonathan and Buckle, Dr James
Authors: Knox, A. R., Buckle, J., Siviter, J., Montecucco, A., and McCulloch, E.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Journal of Electronic Materials
Publisher:Springer US
ISSN:0361-5235
ISSN (Online):1543-186X

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