Selection of the Most Suitable Thermodynamic Operating Parameters for Volumetric External Combustion Engines

A parametric analysis of volumetric external combustion engines is developed to establish their most suitable operations. Beside developing a thermodynamic analysis to estimate plant efficient chain, the proposed procedure also considers more specifically thermotechnical aspects; in particular, it allows one to evaluate the heat transfer surfaces, which are very important for establishing the plant dimensions performance compromise solution. In this regard the definition of a parameter which quantifies the amount of exhaust heat recovered by the air preheater, turns out to be very effective. The parametric analysis finally applied to small power generators, since some operation performances of volumetric external combustion engines may be advantageous for this application.