New turbine design boosts energy efficiency for low-temperature power generation.
The article investigates the design of a high-speed turbine for generating electricity in low-temperature organic Rankine cycles. The researchers used advanced aerospace methods to design innovative turbine blades, aiming for high efficiency. They developed a thermodynamic algorithm to optimize the turbine's performance and proposed a new working fluid mixture of isobutane and isopentane. Experimental testing confirmed the turbine's efficiency and a novel method was developed to detect leaks in the working fluid. Additionally, a new environmentally friendly working fluid was discovered, combining isobutane and isopentane.