Vol. 6, No 1, 2024, 83-91 DOI: 10.22044/rera.2024.15365.

1371

Modeling of Combined Heat and Power Cycle based on Micro Gas

Turbines using Biogas Fuel: an Investigation of Key Parameters

M. Oreijah1, H. Faqeha1, M. Al-Lehaibi1, K. Guedri1* and S. Hassanlue2

1. Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia.
2. Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Received Date 17 September 2024; Revised Date 29 September 2024; Accepted Date 05 December 2024
*Corresponding author: kmguedri@uqu.edu.sa (K. Guedri)

Abstract
Distributed electricity generation has been a long-standing focus for researchers and policy-makers. With the
global rise in electricity demand, various generation methods such as solar, wind, fuel cells, and internal
combustion engines—are being implemented, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Micro gas
turbines have emerged as a viable candidate for a reliable, cost-effective, and accessible energy production
system. To enhance overall system efficiency, the heat produced from fuel combustion in these turbines can
also be used to generate hot water. This study investigates micro gas turbines fueled by biogas, analyzing the
effects of several critical parameters: Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT), Compressor Pressure Ratio (CPR),
and recuperator effectiveness within the cycle. The thermodynamic modeling uses the thermally perfect gas
model and was conducted in EES (Engineering Equation Solver), with a selected commercial gas
microturbine used for validation. Variable fluid thermodynamic properties are accounted for based on
temperature, providing accuracy under diverse operational scenarios. It is found that to achieve the
maximum overall efficiency; there is an optimal value for the CPR, while it increases with increment in the
TIT and recuperator effectiveness.

Keywords: Microturbine, Electricity, Heat, Pressure drop, Cogeneration, Biogas, Renewable Energy, Heat
recovery unit.

1. Introduction
Energy is one of humanity's most strategic needs, the development of renewable energy systems for
and ensuring its supply has become a significant electricity generation to make this sector more
concern for nations. With fossil fuel resources environmentally friendly, performance
gradually depleting and their adverse improvement of the technologies that consume
environmental impacts becoming more apparent fossil fuels and their modifications would be
[1, 2], the necessity of shifting towards clean helpful in shifting towards sustainability.
energy technologies and performance Efficiency improvement in thermal power plants
improvement of current energy systems has been focused by different scholars in the
optimizing energy production methods is recent years. Shajahan et al. [7] performed a study
increasingly clear. The renewable energy sources on the efficiency improvement of thermal power
such as wind, solar, etc. are applicable for several plants by use of robust controller and
purposes like thermal comfort, cooking, and optimization. The data collected in their work
electrification [3–5]. Electricity consumption in helped them to propose a precise model of fuel,
the world has significantly increased in the recent air and feedwater flow rate. By employment of
decades due to a variety of reasons like population evolution and optimization methods, the
growth, urbanization, and industrialization. controllers for all the considered loops were
Thermal power plants consuming fossil fuels have regulated to perfection. In another study by Mandi
a key role in world power generation. According et al. [8], auxiliary components of a thermal
to the data presented by the International Energy power plant were improved via operations
Agency (IEA), coal had the highest contribution optimization. Aside from carrying out
to electricity generation among different sources optimization on the cycle or components of the
that was followed by natural gas [6]. Aside from

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systems, two primary strategies are being adopted CO2 by utilizing existing technologies applicable
globally in the power industry: for combustion, while remarkable changes appear
1. Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Reusing to be needed, and more development related to the
waste thermal energy for simultaneous technological aspect is vital [17]. It is possible to
electricity and heat production [9]. It should apply biofuels in microturbines to benefit from its
be noted that the concept of heat recovery advantages. In a study by Devi et al. [18], impact
from the waste of thermal power plants can of high oxygenated biofuels on the micro gas
be applied for providing more products such turbine engine was evaluated. They reported that
as cooling, desalination, etc. [10]. the blend with incremented oxygenated
2. Distributed Generation (DG): Placing power compounds in the fuel blends shows a better
generation facilities closer to consumption performance. Microturbines fueled by biogas offer
points to minimize transmission losses [11]. additional environmental benefits, and align with
Traditionally, electricity for industrial, renewable energy goals, making them particularly
commercial, agricultural, and residential suitable for distributed generation. Recent studies
consumers is produced in large, centralized power have demonstrated that biogas-fueled
plants, and then transmitted through distribution microturbines not only reduce greenhouse gas
networks. DG systems, however, utilize smaller emissions but also utilize otherwise wasted
power stations near consumption sites, organic materials [19,20]. Aside from the systems
significantly reducing transmission losses [12]. with one type of outputs, biofuels are usable in
Micro gas turbines have shown significant polygeneration technologies. Fong and Lee [21]
promise in small-scale and decentralized power implemented a study on trigeneration systems
generation. With output capacities ranging from driven by biofuel for non-residential buildings
25 to 500 kW, microturbines are a relatively applications. They reported that the systems
recent technology attracting considerable attention considered have high potential for primary energy
in the DG market [13]. saving, up to 15%, and a decrement of carbon
One of the renewable energy sources with emissions by at least 86% in comparison with the
applicability for different energy-related purposes conventional technologies.
is biofuel. Scholars have evaluated the use of As mentioned, it is advantageous in terms of
biofuels for a variety of applications such as environment and technical aspects to utilize
heating, desalination, power generation, and biofuels in microturbines. In this regard, getting
polygeneration systems. Depending on the type of deeper insight into these technologies and
biofuel, they can be used for different influential factors on their performance would be
applications. For instance, biodiesels, as sulfur- helpful for designers. This study simulates a CHP
free fuels, are applicable as fuels of diesel engines cycle using a Micro-Gas Turbine (MGT) and
[14]. In a study by Wierzbicka et al. [15], use of biogas fuel, examining critical variables such as
biofuels in district heating system was assessed. In Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT), Compressor
this work, particle emission related to district Pressure Ratio (CPR), and recuperator
heating systems by use of three biofuels namely effectiveness within the cycle. To evaluate
pellets, forest residues and sawdust were performance under these conditions,
compared. They reported that overall thermodynamic modeling with the Engineering
concentration of emitted particles with Equation Solver (EES) software is applied. Impact
aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 micrometer of these factors on the performance of a combined
(PM5) at medium working load was in range of heating and power cycle based on MGT using
6.3-7.7 × 107 particles/𝑐𝑚𝑛3 , with a bit higher cow manure biogas as the fuel is evaluated for the
value in case of forest residues combustion. In first time, which is the main novelty of this study.
another study [16], performance of a desalination The key points of the present work, which
system based on the heat recovery from represent the importance of the study are
combustion engine utilizing biofuel blends was consideration of a renewable energy source,
investigated. It was reported that despite the biogas, as alternative for natural gas for use in a
disadvantage of biofuel in terms of low heat MGT. The proposed system is a cleaner
recovery potential, use of these fuels leads to alternative compared with the MGTs using fossil
more reasonable emissions compared with fuels. Moreover, the proposed system is not only
gasoline. Use of biofuels in the gas turbines is a applicable for power generation in small-scale,
suitable alternative for the power generation but also it is usable for heating applications due to
systems using fossil fuels. Use of these fuels can the consideration of heat recovery unit.
result in significant decrease in the emission of Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is applied to

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compare the effect of mentioned factors on the 𝐬𝟏 = 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐈𝟏 − 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟏 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 ) (2)

overall efficiency of the designed system.
State 2s (Ideal compression): For an idealized
isentropic process, entropy remains constant, as
2. Methodology
presented in equation (3).
The simulation approach for this study is adapted
from a model originally developed for an 𝐬𝟐𝐬 = 𝐬𝟏 (3)
industrial gas turbine, as presented in Ref. [22].
Since this research focuses on an MGT with a Isentropic enthalpy (I) and temperature are
recuperator, significant adjustments are made to calculated according to equations (4) and (5).
the original model to account for the unique 𝐈𝟐𝐬 = 𝐬𝟐𝐬 − 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟐𝐬 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 ) (4)
characteristics of MGT systems. These
𝐓𝟎𝟐𝐬 = 𝐓(𝐈𝟐𝐬 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) → 𝐡𝟎𝟐𝐬 = 𝐡(𝐓𝟎𝟐𝐬 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) (5)
modifications involve revising key
thermodynamic equations to match the specific State 2: From here, the intermediate temperature,
operational parameters of the microturbine, enthalpy, and entropy (s) are derived for ideal
particularly in the presence of a recuperator. The compression followed by actual values using
revised thermodynamic equations are compressor efficiency 𝜂𝑖𝐶 , as represented in
implemented and executed within the Engineering equations (6) to (8), respectively.
Equation Solver (EES) software. EES enabled
𝐡𝟎𝟐 = 𝐡𝟎𝟏 + (𝐡𝟎𝟐𝐬 − 𝐡𝟎𝟏 )/𝛈𝐢𝐂 . 𝐩𝟎𝟐 = 𝐩𝟎𝟐𝐬 =𝐂𝐏𝐑 × 𝐩𝟎𝟏 (6)
precise modeling of the MGT’s performance
across a range of operating conditions, accounting 𝐓𝟎𝟐 = 𝐓(𝐡𝟎𝟐 . 𝐱 𝟏 ). 𝐈𝟐 = 𝐈( 𝐓𝟎𝟐 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) (7)
for the effects of recuperation, TIT and CPR on 𝐬𝟐 = 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐈𝟐 − 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟐𝐬 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 ) (8)
both overall cycle efficiency and fuel
consumption. The schematic of the designed cycle State 5 (Cold recuperation side): The
for power generation, and heating is represented recuperator transfers heat between the exhaust and
in figure 1. The main benefits of the proposed the compressed air. The effectiveness (𝜀) is
system are as follows: calculated by using equation (9). Equations (10) to
 Use of biogas as a renewable energy source. (12) are used for determination of enthalpy,
 Simultaneous production of heating and isentropic enthalpy and entropy in point (5).
power by using heat recovery system. 𝐓𝟎𝟓 − 𝐓𝟎𝟐
𝛆= . 𝐩𝟎𝟓 = 𝐩𝟎𝟐 (9)
 Applicability for DG. 𝐓𝟎𝟒 − 𝐓𝟎𝟐

According to the methodology represented in the 𝐡𝟎𝟓 = 𝐡(𝐓𝟎𝟓 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) (10)

study by Banjac et al. [22], each operational state
𝐈𝟓 = 𝐈( 𝐓𝟎𝟓 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) (11)
within the cycle can be formulated, as represented
in the following parts of the article. 𝐬𝟓 = 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐈𝟓 − 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟓 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 ) (12)
State 3 (Combustion calculations): The enthalpy
(ℎ03 ) is obtained given (𝑇03 ), but an iterative
approach is required to determine the
stoichiometric mass part x, according to equation
(13).
𝐐𝐜𝐜 = (𝟏 + 𝛃) × 𝐡(𝐓𝟎𝟑 . 𝐱) − 𝐡𝟎𝟐 , 𝛃new =
(13)
𝐐𝐜𝐜 /(𝛈𝐂𝐂 × 𝐋𝐇𝐕)

The equation is iterated until convergence, using

= [𝛽(1 + 𝑏)]/[𝑏(1 + 𝛽)].
Once the iterative loop converges and the mass
Figure 1. Schematic representation of the designed cycle. part 𝑥 = 𝑥3 is determined, it is necessary to
State 1: The inlet conditions for the compressor, update the reference entropy (𝑠𝑅 ) and the specific
with pressure 𝑝01 and temperature 𝑇01 , serve as gas constant (R) based on this new composition
the starting point. Using these parameters, (𝑥3 ). These values are calculated by the use of
enthalpy ℎ01 , specific entropy 𝑠1, and integral of equation (14).
entropy change during an isobaric process 𝐼1 at 𝐬𝐑 = 𝐬𝐑 (𝐱 𝟑 ). 𝐑 = 𝐑(𝐱 𝟑 ) (14)
state 1 are calculated, as follows (Equations (1)
and (2)): The new mass fraction 𝑥 = 𝑥3 is now applied in
subsequent calculations. The pressure (𝑃03 ) in the
𝐡𝟎𝟏 = 𝐡(𝐓𝟎𝟏 . 𝐱 𝟏 ). 𝐈𝟏 = 𝐈(𝐓𝟎𝟏 . 𝐱 𝟏 ) , 𝐱 𝟏 = 𝟎 (1) combustion chamber is adjusted according to the

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pressure drop specified, either as a relative or

𝐂𝐇𝟒 % 𝐂𝐎𝟐 %
absolute value. In this case, however, we assume 𝐋𝐇𝐕biogas = ( ) × 𝐋𝐇𝐕𝐂𝐇𝟒 + ( ) × 𝐋𝐇𝐕𝐂𝐎𝟐 (20)
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
no pressure loss in the chamber. The entropy at
state 𝑠3 is calculated using the enthalpy 𝐼3 = Table 2. Compositions of chosen biogas produced from
biological wastes [23, 24].
𝐼(T03 . x3 ), and the expression provided in
Equation (15). Samples 1
Resource Cow manure
𝐬𝟑 = 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐈𝟑 − 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟑 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 ) (15)
CH4 60.2
States 4s and 4 (Expansion process): In the Composition (%) CO2 39.8
turbine expansion process, if no cooling air is H2 Not detected
applied, gas composition remains constant. The
calculations proceed similarly to compression The stoichiometricAir-Fuel Ratio (AFR) for
stages, with constant properties through states 4s methane combustion is determined using the
and 4. reaction according to Equation (21).
State 6 (Hot recuperation side): The energy
𝐂𝐇𝟒 + 𝟐(𝐎𝟐 + 𝟑. 𝟕𝟔 𝐍𝟐 ) → 𝐂𝐎𝟐 + 𝟐𝐇𝟐 𝐎 + 𝟕. 𝟓𝟐 𝐍𝟐 (21)
balance in the recuperator is defined according to
equation (16). Temperature, isentropic enthalpy, For a methane-based fuel with 60.2% CH₄
and entropy of the stream in point (6) are content, the effective AFR is calculated by scaling
calculated by use of equation (17) to (19), the pure methane AFR based on CH₄ percentage.
respectively.
𝐦̇𝐚𝐢𝐫 × (𝐡𝟎𝟓 − 𝐡𝟎𝟐 ) = 𝐦̇𝐞𝐱𝐡 × (𝐡𝟎𝟒 − 𝐡𝟎𝟔 ) (16) Heat recovery unit
The Heat Recovery Unit (HRU) in the system is
𝐓𝟎𝟔 = 𝐓(𝐡𝟎𝟔 . 𝐱 𝟑 ). 𝐩𝟎𝟔 = 𝐩𝟎𝟒 (17) responsible for transferring heat from the exhaust
𝐈𝟔 = 𝐈( 𝐓𝟎𝟔 . 𝐱 𝟑 ) (18) gases to a cold-water stream entering at
𝐬𝟔 = 𝐬𝐑 + 𝐈𝟔 − 𝐑𝐥𝐧(𝐩𝟎𝟔 /𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟 )
approximately 20°C. The mass flow rate of the
(19)
water is adjusted to achieve an outlet temperature
of 60°C [10]. The heat transfer and mass flow
Considered gas mixture
rates are governed by equations (22) and (23)
The model assumes specific compositions for both
the air and fuel involved in the combustion
process. 3. Model validation
For validation, performance data from the Turbec
T100 microturbine—a commercial micro gas
 Dry air composition
turbine commonly used in combined heat and
The composition of dry air, expressed in mass
power (CHP) applications—was utilized. Key
fractions, is detailed in table 1. These values are
operational characteristics of the Turbec T100,
used in the model to calculate combustion
used as benchmarks, are presented in table 3.
reactions and properties of the exhaust gases.
The assumptions considered for all models are as
Table 1. Dry air composition (mass fraction) follows:
component Mass Fraction  The effectiveness of the recuperator is 0.8.
Ar 0.01288  Pressure loss is assumed to be neglected.
N2 0.7552179  The power output of the turbine kept
O2 0.2314212 constant at the value of 500 kW.
CO2 0.0004809  The temperature of water at the outlet of
Other 0 HRSG is assumed to be 60°C.
 AFR is equal to the stoichiometric value.
Biogas fuel properties and air-fuel ratio
The Lower Heating Value (LHV) of the biogas Table 3. T100 Specifications [13, 25].
fuel mixture, derived from cow manure, is Variable T100 Microturbine Unit
calculated based on its methane (CH₄) and carbon T01 288.15 [K]
P01 101325 [Pa]
dioxide (CO₂) composition that given in table 2.
Relative Humidity 60 [%]
Given that methane has an LHV of approximately CPR 4.5 [-]
50,000 kJ/kg and CO₂ does not contribute to the T02 487.15 [K]
heating value, the LHV of biogas with 60.2% CH₄ ηC 0.768 [-]
content is calculated by use of equation (20). ṁair 0.7833 [kg/s]

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Rotational Speed 70000 [RPM] temperature (TIT). Since the system operates with
PowerC 159 [kW] a fixed Air-to-Fuel Ratio (AFR), the air mass flow
Effectiveness 90 [%]
rate also decreases proportionally with the
T06 543.15 [K]
ṁfuel 0.0067 [kg/s]
reduction in fuel consumption. Additionally, the
P05 450000 [Pa] water mass flow rate decreases slightly because
Fuel type Natural Gas [-] the improved recuperator effectiveness transfers
𝑸˙ 𝐈𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭 333 [kW] more heat to the compressed air, leaving less
ṁexh 0.79 [kg/s] waste heat in the exhaust gases for the Heat
T03 1223 [K] Recovery Unit (HRU). Despite this, the overall
T04 923.15 [K] cycle efficiency increases linearly with the
ηT 0.826 [-]
recuperator effectiveness, driven by reduced fuel
PowerT 282 [kW]
T08 50 [°C]
consumption.
T09 70 [°C]
ṁwater 2 [Lit/s]
T07 80 [°C]
Net electric output 100 [kW]
ηele 30 [%]
ηCHP 80 [%]

Table 4. Comparison between numerical results and

experimental data.
Numerical Relative error
Variable Unit
results (%)
CPR 4.61 2.542 [-]
T02 486.04 0.227 [K]
ηC 0.79 2.737 [-]
ṁair 0.8 1.954 [kg/s]
(a)
Rotational speed 70416.59 0.595 [RPM]
PowerCompressor 161 1.26 [kW]
T06 544.77 0.289 [K]
ṁfuel 0.0067 0.030 [kg/s]
P05 441000 2 [Pa]
Fuel type Pure Methane - [-]
Thermal power
330.85 0.644 [kW]
Input
ṁexhaust 0.81 1.938 [kg/s]
T03 1213.55 0.773 [K]
T04 923.15 0 [K]
ηT 0.83 0.309 [-]
PowerTurbine 277.08 1.743 [kW]
T07 75.7 1.22 [°C]
Power electric
99.65 0.346 [kW]
Output
ηelectricity 0.3 0.401 [%] (b)
ηCHP 0.78 2.5 [%] Figure 2. Effect of heat exchanger effectiveness on a) mass
flow rates of the streams and b) overall efficiency.
4. Result and discussion In figure 3 effect of CPR on the outputs of the
In the present study, the effects of different system for TIT = 1173.15 K, 𝜀 = 0.8, and ambient
factors, namely the recuperator effectiveness, TIT, temperature of 283.15 K is represented. By
and CPR, on the outputs of the cycle is evaluated. increasing the CPR, the density of the compressed
In all the represented results, the output power of air rises due to higher pressure, which may reduce
the system is kept constant, and equal to 500 kW. the required mass flow rate to maintain a specific
In figure 2, effect of effectiveness of the heat power output. Due to a constant AFR, it means
exchanger on the outputs of the system for TIT = the fuel mass flow rate should be decreased. As
1173.15 K, CPR = 4.5 and ambient temperature of shown in this figure, the water mass flow rate
283.15 K is represented. As shown in this figure, increases with increasing CPR. This behavior can
the fuel mass flow rate decreases significantly due be explained by the changes in the exhaust gas
to improved compressed air preheating, which temperature leaving the recuperator. As CPR
reduces the energy demand in the combustion increases, the pressure ratio across the turbine
chamber to achieve the desired turbine inlet

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grows, leading to a lower turbine outlet efficiency of the cycle, allowing for the same
temperature due to the larger enthalpy drop during power to be generated with less input mass flow.
expansion. However, with the fixed effectiveness However, the mass flow rate of water decreases
of the recuperator, the outlet temperature of the since the available energy for recovery in the
exhaust gas rises. The higher exhaust gas corresponding heat exchanger is decreased due to
temperature entering the Heat Recovery Unit reduction in the mass flow rate of the exhaust
(HRU) provides more energy for heating water, gases. In addition, with increase in the TIT, the
requiring a greater water mass flow rate to overall efficiency of the cycle is increased, which
maintain the desired energy transfer and can be attributed to the reduction in the input
temperature rise in the HRU. The relationship energy to the cycle related to the decrement in the
between CPR and overall efficiency is typically a fuel. Despite the benefits of higher TITs, material
parabolic curve. At low CPR, the compression constraints and thermal stresses limit how far this
process is inefficient, and at a very high CPR, the parameter can be pushed. Scientists are working
increased compression work and associated losses on improving turbine materials to withstand
outweigh the benefits of better combustion, higher temperatures, facilitating greater power
leading to a decrease in overall efficiency. There generation and allowing for smaller Micro Gas
is indeed an optimal CPR for maximum Turbines (MGTs) to be used as the cycle's primary
efficiency, depending on the turbine design and mover.
operating conditions.

(a)
(a)

(b)
(b) Figure 4. Effect of TIT on a) mass flow rates of the
Figure 3. Effect of CPR on a) mass flow rates of the streams and b) overall efficiency.
streams and b) overall efficiency.
5. Sensitivity analysis
Finally, effect of TIT on the characteristics of the
For evaluation of importance of different
cycle for CPR = 4.5 K, 𝜀 = 0.8 and ambient
considered parameters on the overall efficiency of
temperature of 283.15 K is represented in figure 4.
the systems, sensitivity analysis is carried out. The
With increase in the TIT, mass flow rates of both
considered variables in the previous section were
air and fuel reduce for the same power output
TIT, CPR, and recuperator effectiveness. For
(500 kW); this reduction occurs because the
sensitivity analysis, it is required to calculate the
higher TIT improves the thermodynamic
relevancy factor, a parameter in range of -1 to 1.

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Comparison between the absolute values of the consider other influential parameters such as the
relevancy factors reveals their impact level on the ambient temperature and characteristics of
considered output which is overall efficiency here. different components on the output of the
The relevancy factor for each parameter is proposed system. The generated data by the
obtained by the use of Equation (24), as follows thermodynamics models can be used to develop
[26, 27]: models based on machine learning methods such
̅ 𝐤 )(𝐲𝐢 − 𝐲̅)
as artificial neural network.
∑𝐍𝐢=𝟏(𝐗 𝐤,𝐢 − 𝐗
𝐫= Aside from the suggestions mentioned that are
(24)
̅ 𝐤 )𝟐 ∑𝐍𝐢=𝟏(𝐲𝐢 − 𝐲̅)𝟐
√∑𝐍𝐢=𝟏(𝐗 𝐤,𝐢 − 𝐗 applicable for the current configurations, there are
some other suggestions on similar systems with
In equation (24), ̅𝑦, 𝑦𝑖 , 𝑋̅𝑘 , and 𝑋𝑘,𝑖 are the output different structures. For example, the recovered
average value, ith input value, average value of heat from the exhaust gases can be used for other
kth input parameter, and ith input value of kth purposes such as desalination and cooling. These
input parameter, respectively. In figure 5, productions require some additional components
calculated values of relevancy factors for each such as thermal desalination systems and
input parameter are presented. These values reveal absorption chillers that would increase the
that recuperator effectiveness has the highest complexity of the system.
impact on the overall efficiency of the designed
cycle under the mentioned assumptions. 7. Conclusion
Microturbines could be attractive options for
distributed generation applications. In order to
make these systems more environmentally
friendly, it is possible to use biofuels as renewable
energy sources and apply HRU. In the present
study, effects of different factors namely TIT,
recuperator effectiveness and CPR on the overall
efficiency of the system and characteristics of the
cycle with constant output electrical power is
investigated. According to the findings of the
models, solved by use of EES software; it can be
concluded that increase in TIT leads to elevation
in the overall efficiency of the cycle. In addition,
it is found that there is an optimal value for the
Figure 5. Relevancy factor values for three inputs of CPR of the applied compressor and deviation
the cycle. from the design point would lead to reduction in
the overall efficiency. Furthermore, it is observed
6. Recommendations for future studies that with elevation in the recuperator
In the previous sections, applied method for effectiveness, cycle overall efficiency improves.
modeling and the governing equations, results of Findings of the present article would be beneficial
the modeling by consideration of different factors for the designers and engineers working on the
variation and sensitivity analysis were cycle efficiency improvement and greenhouse
represented. There are some ideas that could be gases emissions reduction of power generation
considered in future works, which would be systems. In future studies, different types of
worthwhile for designers and scholars. For biofuels can be used, and the cycle characteristics
instance, in addition to the energy efficiency of can be evaluated for deeper insight into these
the systems, some other criteria and indices such alternative fuels.
as exergy efficiency or environmental factors can
be applied for analysis of the present system. 8. References
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