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Power Plant Cycles: Evolution towards More Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Technologies

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  • Andrés Meana-Fernández

    (Department of Energy, Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Gijón, Edificio Departamental Este, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart, s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Juan M. González-Caballín

    (Department of Energy, Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Gijón, Edificio Departamental Este, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart, s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Roberto Martínez-Pérez

    (Department of Energy, Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Gijón, Edificio Departamental Este, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart, s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

  • Francisco J. Rubio-Serrano

    (IMASA, Ingeniería y Proyectos, S.A. Carpinteros 12, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain)

  • Antonio J. Gutiérrez-Trashorras

    (Department of Energy, Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Gijón, Edificio Departamental Este, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart, s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain)

Abstract

The scarcity of energy and water resources and rising temperatures due to climate change has set the focus on improving the energy efficiency of power plant thermodynamic cycles to adapt to higher heat sink temperatures and use fewer resources for energy production. In this work, a review of power production thermodynamic cycles is presented: from Brayton to Rankine and combined cycles, alongside particular cycles such as Organic Rankine Cycles, Kalina, Goswami or the more recently developed Hygroscopic Cycle. The efficiency of these cycles and their possible improvements are considered, as well as their environmental impact. Costs associated with existing power plants found in the literature have also been included in the study. The main existing facilities for each cycle type are assessed, and the most sustainable options in terms of resource consumption (fuel, water, etc.) and future perspectives to ensure both their energy efficiency and sustainability are identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrés Meana-Fernández & Juan M. González-Caballín & Roberto Martínez-Pérez & Francisco J. Rubio-Serrano & Antonio J. Gutiérrez-Trashorras, 2022. "Power Plant Cycles: Evolution towards More Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-27, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:23:p:8982-:d:986294
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