Compressed Air Turbine: A Sustainable Solution for Power Generation

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using compressed air to produce power or electricity. Various options for turbines that can run on compressed air are suggested, including a gas turbine, rotary vane pump, Tesla turbine, screw compressor, scroll compressor, and supercharger. The conversation also questions the purpose and efficiency of using compressed air for power generation, and suggests using other sources of energy such as wind mills. The conversation ends with a request for more information and research on the principles and equations governing the process of using compressed air for power generation.
  • #1
pranj5
386
5
I don't know whether this is appropriate for this part or not, but I am now looking for turbine/machinery that can be run by compressed air to produce power/electricity. Is there any manufacturer of such a machine is available?
 
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  • #2
Are you referring to something like a gas turbine ?
 
  • #4
No. A turbine that will run on compressed air.
 
  • #5
Pretty much any turbine will work. Being air (low temp, non corrosive/reactive) opens up a lot of options.
A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YVBK2/?tag=pfamazon01-20 converts compressed air into shaft power, that could be coupled with a very small generator.

For a bit more power there are larger options, some I've read about in small ORC systems:

http://waset.org/publications/6420/efficiency-of-compact-organic-rankine-cycle-system-with-rotary-vane-type-expander-for-low-temperature-waste-heat-recovery (An engineering student at MIT adapted a used car aircon pump, can't find the paper right now).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_vane_pump

Tesla turbine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_turbine

Screw compressor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary-screw_compressor

Scroll compressor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scroll_compressor
http://organicrankine.com/?page=orc_automobile

Even a supercharger (lobe pump):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots-type_supercharger

Nearly all pump & compressor types can generate shaft power when operated in 'reverse' (ie a fluid is forced through them).
There are plenty of manufacturers around but you'll need to know your working pressures, flow rates etc first. Or you could just scavenge some compressors from a junk yard and wing it.

The real question is why?
How is it that you have compressed air but need electricity?
You are much better off, in terms of cost and power generated, to generate electricity from whatever source created the compressed air in the first place, eg if your air compressor is deisel, then buy a diesel generator, you'll get maybe ten times as much electrical power per litre of diesel burnt, much cheaper in the long term, and probably cheaper capital cost too.
 
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  • #6
Its better to use a wind mill to generate power.
Because you have to spend energy on compressing air anyway.
 
  • #7
sachinhari93 said:
Its better to use a wind mill to generate power.
Because you have to spend energy on compressing air anyway.
Actually, I am looking for this for a special purpose. I want to know if air is first compressed isothermally and then suddenly released adiabatically, then how much of the energy consumed during compression can be returned. Let's start with an ideal case and then go back to reality.
I also want to know what would be the temperature of air after completion of such a process.
 
  • #8
pranj5 said:
Actually, I am looking for this for a special purpose. I want to know if air is first compressed isothermally and then suddenly released adiabatically, then how much of the energy consumed during compression can be returned. Let's start with an ideal case and then go back to reality.
I also want to know what would be the temperature of air after completion of such a process.
This is a totally different question from what you asked in the OP. Please start a new thread and include the following in the opening post:
1. A complete explanation of what you are trying to accomplish including a list of all processes and their starting and ending pressures and temperatures. We don't want to have to guess what you are trying to do.
2. The results of your research into the principles and equations that govern the processes. We don't want to have to start from scratch.

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1. What is a compressed air turbine?

A compressed air turbine is a type of power generation technology that uses compressed air as a source of energy to drive a turbine, which in turn generates electricity. The compressed air is created by compressing atmospheric air using a compressor, and then the pressurized air is fed into the turbine to generate power.

2. How does a compressed air turbine work?

A compressed air turbine works by using the energy from compressed air to drive a turbine. First, atmospheric air is drawn into a compressor, which increases the air pressure by reducing its volume. The compressed air is then stored in tanks or reservoirs. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released from the tanks and fed into the turbine, which turns a generator to produce electricity.

3. What are the advantages of using a compressed air turbine for power generation?

There are several advantages to using a compressed air turbine for power generation. Firstly, it is a sustainable solution as it does not emit any greenhouse gases or pollutants. It also has a low environmental impact as it does not require the use of water or produce any waste products. Additionally, compressed air is a readily available resource, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for power generation.

4. Are there any challenges or limitations to using a compressed air turbine?

One challenge with compressed air turbines is the efficiency of energy conversion. The process of compressing air and then expanding it to drive a turbine can result in energy losses. This means that compressed air turbines may not be as efficient as other power generation technologies. Additionally, the storage and transportation of compressed air can also be costly and may require significant infrastructure.

5. How is a compressed air turbine a sustainable solution for power generation?

A compressed air turbine is a sustainable solution for power generation as it uses a renewable resource (atmospheric air) and does not produce any emissions or waste products. It also has the potential to store excess energy, making it a reliable source of power for when there is a high demand for electricity. As technology continues to advance, the efficiency of compressed air turbines is expected to improve, making it an even more sustainable option for power generation in the future.

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