Large-scale power generation

Mehos, M. (2008) Another pathway to large-scale power generation concentrating solar power. MRS Bull, 33 (4), 364-355. 

Recently, silicone dielectric elastomer material already coated with compliant electrode material (corrugated silver) was introduced to the market [15]. We also note that the 3 M VHB acrylic (uncoated dielectric elastomer) is also available in large quantities. That such materials can be manufactured in large-scale roll-to-roll operations helps support the notion of the feasibility of large-scale power generation. 

Large-area low-cost films with no toxic materials—enables economic capture of highly distributed diffuse power sources for large-scale power generation. 

Overall, the thermal regeneration approach in its current state of development may be suitable for small-scale systems but is probably not applicable for large-scale power generation and H2 generation processes. 

Reference fossil-fuel-based technologies for hydrogen production and large-scale power generation... 

Indeed, in the context of fundamental chemical processes in dilute environments, which are at the heart of this book (i.e. reaction processes in or supported by the gas phase), are combustion processes. As was pointed out in the introductory summary to these application chapters, combustion is all-present in our lives, and is encountered in internal combustion engines, in domestic and large-scale power generation by boilers and furnaces, in incineration of waste, in smelting and glass production, and so on. Not surprisingly, the analysis, monitoring and control of these combustion processes have featured prominently in the transfer of laser chemical methods from the laboratory to the real world. 

Table 13.1 whereas Table 13.2 reports the properties of significant streams in the plant. The size of the plant has been selected in order to fit with the large size, 50-Hz, heavy-duty gas turbine available on the market. The resulting performance is summarized in Table 13.3. Power output is 367.4 MW with a45.2% efficiency (LHV basis). This value poses the IGCC plant at about the same efficiency level of a pulverized coal boiler, ultra-supercritical steam cycle. Although the latter has higher sulfur oxide and parficu-late matter (PM) emissions, it currently represents the reference technology for large-scale power generation fi om coal given than its investment cost is at least 30% lower than an IGCC plant.

Portable fuel cells are discussed in Chap. 43. Fuel cells for EVs and large-scale power generation are beyond the scope of this Handbook (see Bibliography, Appendix F). 

Finally, the currently available 2-D fiiU eUiptic model has provided valuable insight on the fundamental physics of catalytic reactors. The established model could further be used to investigate both the steady-state and transient behavior of a large number of reactor setups, ranging from catalytic microreformers which would produce fuel for micro fuel cells in situ, to advanced combustor solutions for large-scale power generation systems such as the rich catalytic/lean bum concept. 

Scale and use Several kW Automobile, stationary Several 100 kW Distributed power generation for industry Several 100 kW Large scale power generation plant Several kW-100 kW Distributed power generation for industry and stationary APU for automobile... 

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