This contribution aims to analyze micro-CHP units based on Rankine cycles. Two types of expander are considered: a small scale inward flow radial turbine and a volumetric scroll type expander. This latter, should allow to overcome the limitation imposed by a standard steam-turbine that arise when the required shaft-power is very low. Moreover, the scroll expander will also allow to easily treat wet steams, which must be avoided when considering a turbo-expander.
The final aim is to deduce which one of the two types of
expander is more suitable, with a specified target performance
and the availability of a certain hot source. In order to define
the thermodynamic expansion process, the analysis uses a onedimensional model of the radial turbine, previously developed
by the authors, and of an estimation of the scroll expander efficiency. Also, the analysis is carried out for different working
fluids, such as water, and two organic fluids, cyclohexane and
toluene.
Through the discussion of the results, for a specified set of constraints (e.g. expander inlet temperature, temperature of
condensation, expander geometrical parameters) it is possible
to deduce important indications on the most suitable expander
for a given cycle layout.
