The Reverse Osmosis (RO) process has been considered to be one of the most widely utilised techniques for brackish water desalination for its capabilities to produce high-quality water. The RO process characterised by its low energy consumption compared to thermal distillation processes, leading to reduced overall water production cost. To systematically understand the transport phenomena of solvent and solutes via the membrane texture, several mathematical models were developed. This interestingly aids to conduct a huge amount of simulation and optimisation studies to judge the influence of control variables on the performance indexes and to adjust the key variables at optimum values to realise optimum production indexes. In this research, a specific accurate model for a single spiral wound RO process has been successfully developed and used to build accurate models for the multistage brackish water RO desalination process of two different designs. The robustness of the model developed was confirmed via validation against the experimental data collected from simple design of RO system and complicated design of RO system of Arab Potash Company (APC). This is followed by a thorough simulation of the RO process to explore the influence of operating conditions on the process performance indicators. Recently, several contributions were made in this thesis that specifically comprises the improvement of the original design of brackish water RO desalination process. The influence of a retentate recycle design is investigated on the process performance. Moreover, evaluation and minimisation of specific energy consumption (expressed in kWh/m3 of freshwater production) is carried out on the simple and complicated designs of RO process by implementing an energy recovery device. Also, the most suitable brand of membranes was explored for the RO system from a set of different brands of membrane to attain the highest-performance rejection at lowest energy consumption compared to the original membrane. Furthermore, a single optimisation framework was developed to mitigate the specific energy consumption of simple and complicated designs of brackish water RO desalination process. Finally, a thermodynamic limitations and exergy analysis of the complicated design of RO system are outlined via a thoroughly study to investigate the locations of high exergy destruction. These contributions were verified as they promoted the separation performance at a significant energy saving. / Mutah University, Jordan

Polymers with mucoadhesive properties are universally used in the development of mucoadhesive drug delivery system. Their physicochemical properties as well as the mechanisms related to their adhesive actions draw great attention for the modification of mucoadhesive properties. In this study, relationships between physicochemical properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) compacts and mucoadhesive performance were investigated. Different commercial grades of HPMC (K3, E3, E5, E50, K4M, E4M and K15M) were prepared into compacts, and their surface hydrophilicity and hydration behavior were characterized. The in vitro mucoadhesive performance was determined by the tension strength between the compacts and different regions of mucous membrane (buccal, sublingual, stomach, and intestine). Positive correlations were found between: (1) viscosity of HPMC compacts and contact angle values measured by different simulated body fluids; (2) viscosity of HPMC compacts and in vitro mucoadhesive force; (3) contact angle values and in vitro mucoadhesive force. The hydration behavior exhibited improvement with the increasing viscosity of HPMC compacts. Moreover, the polar lipid content of each mucosa was likely an important factor affecting the mucoadhesion phenomenon. Different ratios of ethyl cellulose (EC) was mixed with HPMC grade K15M to form combination compacts for the purpose of modifying the surface property. The mucoadhesive mechanism of both different grades of HPMC compacts and combination compacts were studied via the thermodynamic analysis of Lifshiz-van der Waals interaction and Lewis acid-base interaction. The total free energy of adhesion (〖∆G〗^TOT) provided a prediction of an overall tendency of mucoadhesion, however, the results were showing disagreement with the measured mucoadhesive force. In general, the involving of EC in the combination compacts did not give a boost to the whole mucoadhesive performance.

This study determines the activation energy parameters for the hydrolysis of acetic anhydride in water/tetrahydrofuran solutions. These values are needed for studies to quantify the effect of the bulk electrostatic environment solvent-solute interactions on the hydrolysis reaction rate. Hydrolysis of an acetic anhydride with water or under basic conditions yields acetic acid. The current study is based on simple hydrolysis of acetic anhydride which produces acetic acid decreasing the pH over time. Simple hydrolysis is monitored by measuring pH versus time at temperatures ranging from 20.0 to 35.0 oC and mole fraction of water ranging from 0.75 to 1.00. Measuring pH over time has advantages over other methods such as conductivity, UV-vis spectroscopy, temperature scanning, FTIR, calorimeter as it is simple, inexpensive and reproducible. Experimental results were used to determine activation enthalpy and entropy for hydrolysis of acetic anhydride using tetrahydrofuran as the co-solvent. These values were determined using the Eyring rate equation under iso-mole fraction and isothermal conditions. Analysis was performed to determine if the activation enthalpy and entropy are temperature dependent. Eyring plots are expected to be linear for iso-mole fractions and isothermal conditions of tetrahydrofuran.

FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage e Offloading) plants, similarly to other oil and gas offshore processing plants, are known to be an energy-intensive process. Thus, any energy consumption and production optimization procedures can be applied to find optimum operating conditions of the unit, saving money and CO2 emissions from oil and gas processing companies. A primary processing plant of a typical FPSO operating in a Brazilian deep-water oil field on pre-salt areas is modeled and simulated using its real operating data. Three operation conditions of the oil field are presented in this research: (i) Maximum oil/gas content (mode 1), (ii) 50% BSW oil content (mode 2) and (iii) high water/CO2 in oil content (mode 3). In addition, an aero-derivative gas turbine (RB211G62 DLE 60Hz) with offshore application is considered for the heat and generation unit using the real performance data. The impact of eight thermodynamic input parameters on fuel consumption and hydrocarbon liquids recovery of the FPSO unit are investigated by the Smoothing Spline ANOVA (SS-ANOVA) method. From SS-ANOVA, the input parameters that presented the highest impact on fuel consumption and hydrocarbon liquids recovery were selected for an optimization procedure. The software Aspen HYSYS is used as the process simulator for the screening analysis process and for the optimization procedure, that consisted of a Hybrid Algorithm (NSGA-II +SQP method). The objective functions used in the optimization were the minimization of fuel consumption of the processing and utility plants and the maximization of hydrocarbon liquids recovery. From SS-ANOVA, the statistical analysis revealed that the most important parameters affecting the fuel consumption of the plant are: (1) output pressure of the first control valve (P1); (2) output pressure of the second stage of the separation train before mixing with dilution water (P2); (3) input pressure of the third stage of separation train (P3); (4) input pressure of dilution water (P4); (5) output pressure of the main gas compressor (Pc); (6) output petroleum temperature in the first heat exchanger (T1); (7) output petroleum temperature in the second heat exchanger (T2); (8) and dilution water temperature (T3). Four input parameters (P1, P2, P3 and Pc), three input parameters (P3, Pc and T2) and three input parameters (P3, Pc and T2) correspond to 96%, 97% and 97% of the total contribution to fuel consumption for modes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For hydrocarbon liquids recovery of the plant: Four input parameters (P1,P2,P3 and T2), three input parameters (P3, P2 and T2) and three input parameters (P3, P2 and T2) correspond to 95%, 97% and 98% of the total contribution to hydrocarbon liquids recovery for modes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The results from the optimized case indicated that the minimization of fuel consumption is achieved by increasing the operating pressure in the third stage of the separation train and by decreasing the operating temperature in the second stage of the separation train for all operation modes. There were a reduction in power demand of 6.4% for mode 1, 10% for mode 2 and 2.9% for mode 3, in comparison to the baseline case. Consequently, the fuel consumption of the plant was decreased by 4.46% for mode 1, 8.34% for mode 2 and 2.43% for mode 3 , when compared to the baseline case. Moreover, the optimization found an improvement in the recovery of the volatile components, in comparison with the baseline cases. Furthermore, the optimum operating condition found by the optimization procedure of hydrocarbon liquids recovery presented an increase of 4.36% for mode 1, 3.79% for mode 2 and 1.75% for mode 3 in hydrocarbon liquids recovery (stabilization and saving), when compared to a conventional operating condition of their baseline. / As plantas FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage e Offloading) , assim como outras plataformas de processamento offshore de petróleo e gás, são conhecidas por terem processos com uso intensivo de energia. Portanto, qualquer aplicação de procedimentos de otimização para consumo de energia e/ou produção pode ser útil para encontrar as melhores condições de operação da unidade, reduzindo custos e emissões de CO2 de empresas que atuam na área de petróleo e gás. Uma planta de processamento primário de uma plataforma FPSO típica, operando em um campo de petróleo em águas profundas brasileiras e em áreas do pré-sal, é modelada e simulada usando seus dados operacionais reais: (i) Teor máximo de óleo / gás (modo 1), (ii) 50 % de teor de BSW no óleo (modo 2) e (iii) teor elevado de água / CO2 no óleo (modo 3). Além disso, uma turbina a gás aeroderivativa (RB211G62 DLE 60Hz) para aplicação offshore é considerada para a unidade de geração da potência eletrica e calor, através dos seus dados reais de desempenho. O impacto de oito parâmetros termodinâmicos de entrada no consumo de combustível e na recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da unidade FPSO são investigados pelo método SS-ANOVA (Smoothing Spline ANOVA). A partir do SS-ANOVA, os parâmetros de entrada que apresentaram o maior impacto no consumo de combustível e na recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos foram selecionados para aplicação em um procedimento de otimização. Os processos de análise da triagem (usando SS-ANOVA) e de otimização, que consiste em um Algoritmo Híbrido (método NSGA-II + SQP), utilizaram o software Aspen HYSYS como simulador de processo. As funções objetivo utilizadas na otimização foram: minimização do consumo de combustível das plantas de processamento e utilidade e a maximização da recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos. Ainda utilizando SS-ANOVA, a análise estatística realizada revelou que os parâmetros mais importantes que afetam o consumo de combustível da planta são: (1) pressão de saída da primeira válvula de controle (P1); (2) pressão de saída do segundo estágio do trem de separação (e antes da mistura com água de diluição) (P2); (3) pressão de entrada do terceiro estágio do trem de separação (P3); (4) pressão de entrada da água de diluição (P4); (5) pressão de saída do compressor principal de gás (Pc); temperatura de saída de petróleo no primeiro trocador de calor (T1); (7) temperatura de saída de petróleo no segundo trocador de calor (T2); e (8) temperatura da água de diluição. Os parâmetros de entrada de P1, P2, P3 e Pc correspondem a 95% da contribuição total para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da planta para os modos 1. Analogamente, os três parâmetros de entrada P3, Pc e T2 correspondem a 97% e 98% do contribuição total para o consumo de combustível para os modos 2 e 3, respectivamente. Para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da plant, os parâmetros de entrada de P1, P2, P3 e T2 correspondem a 96% da contribuição total para o consumo de combustível para o modo 1. Da mesma forma, os três parâmetros de entrada P3, P2 e T2 correspondem a 97% e 97% da contribuição total para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos para os modos 2 e 3, respectivamente. Os resultados do caso otimizado indicaram que a minimização do consumo de combustível é obtida aumentando a pressão de operação no terceiro estágio do trem de separação e diminuindo a temperatura de operação no segundo estágio do trem de separação para todos os modos de operação. Houve uma redução na demanda de potência de 6,4% para o modo 1, 10% para o modo 2 e 2,9% para o modo 3, em comparação com o caso base. Consequentemente, o consumo de combustível da planta foi reduzido em 4,46% para o modo 1, 8,34% para o modo 2 e 2,43% para o modo 3, quando comparado com o caso base. Além disso, o procedimento de otimização identificou uma melhora na recuperação dos componentes voláteis, em comparação com os casos baseline. A condição ótima de operação encontrada pelo procedimento para otimização da recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos apresentou um aumento de 4,36% para o modo 1, 3,79% para o modo 2 e 1,75% para modo 3, na recuperação líquida de hidrocarbonetos líquidos (e estabilização), quando comparado com as condições operacionais convencionais das suas baseline.

The demands facing the refrigeration industry are minimal usage of conventional energy sources for compression and avoidance of ozone depleting substances. One of the approaches to combat these issues is the use of thermally driven solid sorption compression with non-ozone depleting refrigerant. In this context, the research work presented in this thesis is devoted to a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and development of a laboratory model of an activated carbon+ HFC 134a adsorption refrigeration system. The cooling load catered to by the laboratory model is 2-5 W, mainly for thermal management of electronics. A complete thermodynamic analysis is carried out for the desorption temperatures varying from 75 to 90 oC, evaporating temperatures from -20 to 15oC and adsorption/condensing temperatures from 25 to 40 oC. A program on MatLab platform is developed for theoretical modeling. A new concept of thermal compression uptake efficiency (u) which is analogous to volumetric efficiency of a positive displacement compressor is introduced to consider the effect of void volume. The thesis also covers an investigation of two-stage and hybrid (thermal+ mechanical) cycle compression systems. It is possible to identify the conditions under which a two-stage gives a better performance than a single-stage one. It also shows that hybrid cycle system gives the best performance and saves ~40% of power compared to operation under the same conditions run with a single-stage mechanical compression refrigeration system. A heat transfer analysis of the thermal compressor is carried out to evaluate non-uniformities in bed temperature. As a part of it, the thermal conductivity of the bed under adsorbed state has been calculated. A laboratory model of activated carbon+ HFC 134a adsorption refrigeration system is fabricated to meet a 2-5 Watts cooling load based on the results from theoretical calculations. Experimental results show a fair match in the trends for the COP with analysis. The main aim of the research was to examine how effective the adsorption refrigeration system is in reducing the temperature rise of the heater used to simulate the electronic component. The heater that would have stabilized at 81, 97, 103 and 112 oC without any cooling for heat inputs of 3, 4, 4.4 and 4.9 W, respectively, would attain a cyclic steady state around 24, 26, 28, 31 oC. The influence of cycle time on the performance of the systems is also investigated. It is concluded that an activated carbon+ HFC 134a adsorption refrigeration system can be a good supplement to conventional compression refrigeration systems. In situations where heat recovery imminent this system could be a good choice. For waste heat recovery and suppression of infrared signatures of electronic components, it is ideally suited where COP becomes immaterial.

FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage e Offloading) plants, similarly to other oil and gas offshore processing plants, are known to be an energy-intensive process. Thus, any energy consumption and production optimization procedures can be applied to find optimum operating conditions of the unit, saving money and CO2 emissions from oil and gas processing companies. A primary processing plant of a typical FPSO operating in a Brazilian deep-water oil field on pre-salt areas is modeled and simulated using its real operating data. Three operation conditions of the oil field are presented in this research: (i) Maximum oil/gas content (mode 1), (ii) 50% BSW oil content (mode 2) and (iii) high water/CO2 in oil content (mode 3). In addition, an aero-derivative gas turbine (RB211G62 DLE 60Hz) with offshore application is considered for the heat and generation unit using the real performance data. The impact of eight thermodynamic input parameters on fuel consumption and hydrocarbon liquids recovery of the FPSO unit are investigated by the Smoothing Spline ANOVA (SS-ANOVA) method. From SS-ANOVA, the input parameters that presented the highest impact on fuel consumption and hydrocarbon liquids recovery were selected for an optimization procedure. The software Aspen HYSYS is used as the process simulator for the screening analysis process and for the optimization procedure, that consisted of a Hybrid Algorithm (NSGA-II +SQP method). The objective functions used in the optimization were the minimization of fuel consumption of the processing and utility plants and the maximization of hydrocarbon liquids recovery. From SS-ANOVA, the statistical analysis revealed that the most important parameters affecting the fuel consumption of the plant are: (1) output pressure of the first control valve (P1); (2) output pressure of the second stage of the separation train before mixing with dilution water (P2); (3) input pressure of the third stage of separation train (P3); (4) input pressure of dilution water (P4); (5) output pressure of the main gas compressor (Pc); (6) output petroleum temperature in the first heat exchanger (T1); (7) output petroleum temperature in the second heat exchanger (T2); (8) and dilution water temperature (T3). Four input parameters (P1, P2, P3 and Pc), three input parameters (P3, Pc and T2) and three input parameters (P3, Pc and T2) correspond to 96%, 97% and 97% of the total contribution to fuel consumption for modes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For hydrocarbon liquids recovery of the plant: Four input parameters (P1,P2,P3 and T2), three input parameters (P3, P2 and T2) and three input parameters (P3, P2 and T2) correspond to 95%, 97% and 98% of the total contribution to hydrocarbon liquids recovery for modes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The results from the optimized case indicated that the minimization of fuel consumption is achieved by increasing the operating pressure in the third stage of the separation train and by decreasing the operating temperature in the second stage of the separation train for all operation modes. There were a reduction in power demand of 6.4% for mode 1, 10% for mode 2 and 2.9% for mode 3, in comparison to the baseline case. Consequently, the fuel consumption of the plant was decreased by 4.46% for mode 1, 8.34% for mode 2 and 2.43% for mode 3 , when compared to the baseline case. Moreover, the optimization found an improvement in the recovery of the volatile components, in comparison with the baseline cases. Furthermore, the optimum operating condition found by the optimization procedure of hydrocarbon liquids recovery presented an increase of 4.36% for mode 1, 3.79% for mode 2 and 1.75% for mode 3 in hydrocarbon liquids recovery (stabilization and saving), when compared to a conventional operating condition of their baseline. / As plantas FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage e Offloading) , assim como outras plataformas de processamento offshore de petróleo e gás, são conhecidas por terem processos com uso intensivo de energia. Portanto, qualquer aplicação de procedimentos de otimização para consumo de energia e/ou produção pode ser útil para encontrar as melhores condições de operação da unidade, reduzindo custos e emissões de CO2 de empresas que atuam na área de petróleo e gás. Uma planta de processamento primário de uma plataforma FPSO típica, operando em um campo de petróleo em águas profundas brasileiras e em áreas do pré-sal, é modelada e simulada usando seus dados operacionais reais: (i) Teor máximo de óleo / gás (modo 1), (ii) 50 % de teor de BSW no óleo (modo 2) e (iii) teor elevado de água / CO2 no óleo (modo 3). Além disso, uma turbina a gás aeroderivativa (RB211G62 DLE 60Hz) para aplicação offshore é considerada para a unidade de geração da potência eletrica e calor, através dos seus dados reais de desempenho. O impacto de oito parâmetros termodinâmicos de entrada no consumo de combustível e na recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da unidade FPSO são investigados pelo método SS-ANOVA (Smoothing Spline ANOVA). A partir do SS-ANOVA, os parâmetros de entrada que apresentaram o maior impacto no consumo de combustível e na recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos foram selecionados para aplicação em um procedimento de otimização. Os processos de análise da triagem (usando SS-ANOVA) e de otimização, que consiste em um Algoritmo Híbrido (método NSGA-II + SQP), utilizaram o software Aspen HYSYS como simulador de processo. As funções objetivo utilizadas na otimização foram: minimização do consumo de combustível das plantas de processamento e utilidade e a maximização da recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos. Ainda utilizando SS-ANOVA, a análise estatística realizada revelou que os parâmetros mais importantes que afetam o consumo de combustível da planta são: (1) pressão de saída da primeira válvula de controle (P1); (2) pressão de saída do segundo estágio do trem de separação (e antes da mistura com água de diluição) (P2); (3) pressão de entrada do terceiro estágio do trem de separação (P3); (4) pressão de entrada da água de diluição (P4); (5) pressão de saída do compressor principal de gás (Pc); temperatura de saída de petróleo no primeiro trocador de calor (T1); (7) temperatura de saída de petróleo no segundo trocador de calor (T2); e (8) temperatura da água de diluição. Os parâmetros de entrada de P1, P2, P3 e Pc correspondem a 95% da contribuição total para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da planta para os modos 1. Analogamente, os três parâmetros de entrada P3, Pc e T2 correspondem a 97% e 98% do contribuição total para o consumo de combustível para os modos 2 e 3, respectivamente. Para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos da plant, os parâmetros de entrada de P1, P2, P3 e T2 correspondem a 96% da contribuição total para o consumo de combustível para o modo 1. Da mesma forma, os três parâmetros de entrada P3, P2 e T2 correspondem a 97% e 97% da contribuição total para a recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos para os modos 2 e 3, respectivamente. Os resultados do caso otimizado indicaram que a minimização do consumo de combustível é obtida aumentando a pressão de operação no terceiro estágio do trem de separação e diminuindo a temperatura de operação no segundo estágio do trem de separação para todos os modos de operação. Houve uma redução na demanda de potência de 6,4% para o modo 1, 10% para o modo 2 e 2,9% para o modo 3, em comparação com o caso base. Consequentemente, o consumo de combustível da planta foi reduzido em 4,46% para o modo 1, 8,34% para o modo 2 e 2,43% para o modo 3, quando comparado com o caso base. Além disso, o procedimento de otimização identificou uma melhora na recuperação dos componentes voláteis, em comparação com os casos baseline. A condição ótima de operação encontrada pelo procedimento para otimização da recuperação de hidrocarbonetos líquidos apresentou um aumento de 4,36% para o modo 1, 3,79% para o modo 2 e 1,75% para modo 3, na recuperação líquida de hidrocarbonetos líquidos (e estabilização), quando comparado com as condições operacionais convencionais das suas baseline.

This diploma thesis deals with the strength and frequency analysis of tractor exhaust pipe, which is being developed as an economic alternative in the preparation of construction for use in convertible tractor’s in the Zetor Tractors company. First, modal analysis is performed to determine the natural frequency of the exhaust pipe. In the next section it deals with stress-strain analysis to assess the overall structural strength of the exhaust pipe. At the end is performed thermodynamic analysis to assess the thermal resistance. For these calculations was used the finite element method (FEM) using computing software ANSYS 13.

An investigation into the performance of several combined gas-steam power generating plants’ cycles was undertaken at the School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Hertfordshire and it is predominantly analytical in nature. The investigation covered in principle the aspect of the fundamentals and the performance parameters of the following cycles: gas turbine, steam turbine, ammonia-water, partial oxidation and the absorption chiller. Complete thermal analysis of the individual cycles was undertaken initially. Subsequently, these were linked to generate a comprehensive computer model which was employed to predict the performance and characteristics of the optimized combination. The developed model was run using various input parameters to test the performance of the cycle’s combination with respect to the combined cycle’s efficiency, power output, specific fuel consumption and the temperature of the stack gases. In addition, the impact of the optimized cycles on the generation of CO2 and NOX was also investigated. This research goes over the thermal power stations of which most of the world electrical energy is currently generated by. Through which, to meet the increase in the electricity consumption and the environmental pollution associated with its production as well as the limitation of the natural hydrocarbon resources necessitated. By making use of the progressive increase of high temperature gases in recent decades, the advent of high temperature material and the use of large compression ratios and generating electricity from high temperature of gas turbine discharge, which is otherwise lost to the environment, a better electrical power is generated by such plant, which depends on a variety of influencing factors. This thesis deals with an investigation undertaken to optimize the performance of the combined Brayton-Rankine power cycles' performance. This work includes a comprehensive review of the previous work reported in the literature on the combined cycles is presented. An evaluation of the performance of combined cycle power plant and its enhancements is detailed to provide: A full understanding of the operational behaviour of the combined power plants, and demonstration of the relevance between power generations and environmental impact. A basic analytical model was constructed for the combined gas (Brayton) and the steam (Rankine) and used in a parametric study to reveal the optimization parameters, and its results were discussed. The role of the parameters of each cycle on the overall performance of the combined power cycle is revealed by assessing the effect of the operating parameters in each individual cycle on the performance of the CCPP. P impacts on the environment were assessed through changes in the fuel consumption and the temperature of stack gases. A comprehensive and detailed analytical model was created for the operation of hypothetical combined cycle power and power plant. Details of the operation of each component in the cycle was modelled and integrated in the overall all combined cycle/plant operation. The cycle/plant simulation and matching as well as the modelling results and their analysis were presented. Two advanced configurations of gas turbine cycle for the combined cycle power plants are selected, investigated, modelled and optimized as a part of combined cycle power plant. Both configurations work on fuel rich combustion, therefore, the combustor model for rich fuel atmosphere was established. Additionally, models were created for the other components of the turbine which work on the same gases. Another model was created for the components of two configurations of ammonia water mixture (kalina) cycle. As integrated to the combined cycle power plant, the optimization strategy considered for these configurations is for them to be powered by the exhaust gases from either the gas turbine or the gases leaving the Rankine boiler (HRSG). This included ChGT regarding its performance and its environmental characteristics. The previously considered combined configuration is integrated by as single and double effect configurations of an ammonia water absorption cooling system (AWACS) for compressor inlet air cooling. Both were investigated and designed for optimizing the triple combination power cycle described above. During this research, tens of functions were constructed using VBA to look up tables linked to either estimating fluids' thermodynamic properties, or to determine a number of parameters regarding the performance of several components. New and very interesting results were obtained, which show the impact of the input parameters of the individual cycles on the performance parameters of a certain combined plant’s cycle. The optimized parameters are of a great practical influence on the application and running condition of the real combined plants. Such influence manifested itself in higher rate of heat recovery, higher combined plant thermal efficiency from those of the individual plants, less harmful emission, better fuel economy and higher power output. Lastly, it could be claimed that various concluding remarks drawn from the current study could help to improve the understanding of the behaviour of the combined cycle and help power plant designers to reduce the time, effort and cost of prototyping.

Solar energy is a virtually inexhaustible energy resource, and thus, has great potential in helping meet many of our future energy requirements. Current technology used for solar energy conversion, however, is not cost effective. In addition, solar thermal power systems are also generally less efficient as compared to fossil fuel based thermal power plants. There is a large variety of systems for solar thermal power generation, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. A distinct advantage of solar thermal power generation systems is that they can be easily integrated with a storage system and/or with an auxiliary heating system (as in hybrid power systems) to provide stable and reliable power. Also, as the power block of a solar thermal plant resembles that of a conventional thermal power plant, most of the equipment and technology used is already well defined, and hence does not require major break through research for effective utilisation. Manufacturing of components, too, can be easily indigenized. A solar collector field is generally used for solar thermal energy conversion. The field converts high grade radiation energy to low grade heat energy, which will inevitably involve energy losses as per the laws of thermodynamics. The 2nd law of thermodynamics requires that a certain amount of heat energy cannot be utilised and has to be rejected as waste heat. This limits the efficiency of solar thermal energy technology. However, in many situations, the waste heat can be effectively utilized to perform refrigeration and desalination using absorption or solid sorption systems, with technologies popularly known as “polygeneration”. There is extensive research done in the area of solar collectors, including but not limiting to thermal analysis, testing of solar collectors, and economic analysis of solar collectors. Exergy and optimization analyses have also been done for certain solar collector configurations. Research on solar thermal power plants includes energy analysis at system level with certain configurations. Research containing analysis with insolation varying throughout the day is limited. Hence, there is scope for analysis incorporating diurnal variation of insolation for a solar thermal power system. This thesis centres on the thermodynamic analysis at system level of a solar thermal power system using a concentrating solar collector field and a simple Rankine cycle power generation (with steam as the working fluid) for Indian conditions. The aim is to develop a tool for thermodynamic analysis of solar thermal power systems, with a generalised approach that can also be used with different solar collector types, different heat transfer fluids in the primary loop, and also different working fluids in the secondary loop. This analysis emphasises the solar collector field and a basic sensible heat storage system, and investigates the various energy and exergy losses present. Comparisons have been made with and without a storage unit and resulting performance issues of solar thermal power plants have been studied. Differences between the system under consideration and commercially used thermal power plants have also been discussed, which brought out certain limitations of the technology currently in use. A solution from an optimization analysis has been utilized and modified for maximization of exergy generated at collector field. The analysis has been done with models incorporating equations using the laws of thermodynamics. MATLAB has been used to program and simulate the models. Solar radiation data used is from NREL’s Indian Solar Resource Data, which is obtained using their SUNY model by interpreting satellite imagery. The performance of the system has been analysed for Bangalore for four different days with different daylight durations, each day having certain differences in the incident solar radiation or insolation received. A particular solution of an optimization analysis has been modified using the simulation model developed and analysed with the objective of maximization of exergy generated at collector field. It has been found that the performance of the solar thermal power system was largely dependent on the variation of incident solar radiation. The storage system provided a stableperformance for short duration interruptions of solar radiation occurred on Autumn Equinox (23-09-2002).The duration of the interruption was within the limits of storage unit capacity. The major disruption in insolation transpired on Summer Solstice (21-06-2002) caused a significantly large drop in the solar thermal system performance; practically the system ceased to function due to lack of energy resource. Hence, the use of an auxiliary heating system hasbeen considered desirable. The absence of a storage unit has been shown to cause a significant loss in gross performance of the power system. The Rankine cycle turbine had many issues coping with a highly fluctuating energy input, and thus caused efficiency losses and even ceased power generation. A storage unit has been found to be ideal for steady power generation purposes. Some commercial configurations may lack a storage system, but they have been compensated by the auxiliary heating system to ensure stable power generation. The optimization of the solar collector determines that optimal collector temperatures vary in accordance to the incident solar radiation. Hence, the collector fluid outlet temperature must not be fixed so as to handle varying insolation for optimal exergy extraction. The optimal temperatures determined for Bangalore are around 576 K which is close to the values obtained by the simulation of the solar thermal power system. The tools for analysis and simulation of solar thermal power plants developed in this thesis is fairly generalised, as it can be adapted for various types of solar collectors and for different working fluids (other than steam), such as for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The model can also be easily extended to other types of power cycles such as Brayton and Stirling cycles.

La première partie de la thèse comporte l’étude des machines à froid, en tenant compte de la vitesse finie des processus. L’approche est basée sur une nouvelle méthode d’optimisation des processus et cycles à vitesse finie, la Méthode Directe d’étude et évaluation des irréversibilités. Les performances de ces cycles sont évaluées en prenant en compte les irréversibilités internes générées par la vitesse finie, notamment (1) les pertes de pression dues au laminage, (2) les pertes de pression dues à la vitesse finie du piston, (3) les pertes de pression dues aux frottements interne et mécanique et (4) l’irréversibilité due aux pertes de chaleur. On obtient ainsi directement l'expression du rendement ou du coefficient de performance et de la génération d’entropie en fonction de la vitesse des processus et d'autres paramètres géométriques et fonctionnels. Le travail proposé pour cette partie de thèse analyse la génération des irréversibilités dans une machine thermique fonctionnant selon le cycle inverse quasi-Carnot (Machine Frigorifique à compression mécanique des vapeurs), en proposant un schéma de calcul complètement analytique. A l’aide de ce schéma de calcul on peut développer des études de sensibilité et d’optimisation de ces machines, sans avoir besoin d’utiliser de tableaux des vapeurs saturés.La deuxième partie du mémoire présente l’application des modèles thermodynamiques (la Méthode Directe, la Méthode de la Thermodynamique en Dimensions Physiques Finies (TDPF), la méthode isotherme de Schmidt, la méthode adiabatique de Finkelstein) dans l’étude des machines Stirling – moteurs et récepteurs et confrontation avec l’expérience.La Méthode de la TDPF est une méthode qui regroupe les techniques de la thermodynamique en temps, vitesse et dimensions géométriques finies. Cette méthode introduit les exo-irréversibilités dues aux transferts de chaleur finis entre les réservoirs (source chaude, puits froid, régénérateur) et le fluide de travail et, de plus, considère les contraintes qui se présentent à l’ingénieur (la pression maximale, le volume maximum, les températures des réservoirs chaud et froid, la vitesse de rotation). La méthode isotherme de Schmidt est une méthode zéro-dimensionnelle qui permet l’étude de la machine divisée en trois volumes isothermes. Elle permet de décrire l’évolution de paramètres, comme le volume instantané (chaud, froid ou de régénération) ou la pression en fonction du temps. L’analyse des processus de transfert de la chaleur et d’écoulement du gaz de travail, ayant lieu dans le moteur Stirling d’un micro-cogénérateur, est effectuée en utilisant un model adiabatique monodimensionnel. Cette analyse repose sur la division du moteur Stirling en 5 volumes de control auxquels on applique les équations des gaz parfaits et les équations de conservation de masse et d’énergie.Les résultats expérimentaux seront confrontés à ceux obtenus par les quatre méthodes de calcul, ce qui permettra de définir les paramètres d’ajustage afin de valider les modèles thermodynamiques. Cette confrontation permettra le développement d’une autre méthode, une combinaison des trois approches utilisées afin de modéliser au mieux le fonctionnement du système, préservant les avantages de chacune sur des intervalles de vitesse de rotation donnés.Des études de sensibilité et d’optimisation de paramètres géométriques et fonctionnels seront effectuées afin de proposer des améliorations de mise au point système pour fournir puissance et de rendement plus élevés. / This paper presents the author's overall results obtained in his doctoral thesis, on: The analysis of entropy generation and the evaluation of the performances of the inversed cvasi-Carnot cycle; The application of the Direct Method, Finite Physical Dimensions Thermodynamics method (TDFF), Schmidt’s isotherm method and Finkelstein’s adiabatic model in the study of Stirling engines – engines and machines that function on reversed cycles (receivers) and the confrontation of analytical results with the experimental ones. The first part of the thesis covers the study of the refrigeration machines, considering the finite speed of the processes. The study is based on a new method to optimize the processes and the cycles with finite speed, the Direct Method of study and the evaluation of the irreversibilities. The performance of these cycles are evaluated using analytical relations, considering internal irreversibilities generated by finite speed, especially the pressure losses due to (1) throttling (2) finite speed of the piston (3) internal and mechanical friction (4) irreversibilities due to heat losses. These irreversibilities are introduced in the expression of the First Principle of Thermodynamics for processes with finite speed, and its application leads directly and through analytical means to the expressions of efficiency or coefficient of performance and entropy generation, function of the finite speed of the processes and other geometrical and functional parameters of the machine. The proposed study for this first part of the thesis analyzes the generation of thermal irreversibilities in a thermal machine functioning on a cvasi-Carnot reversed cycle (refrigerating machine with mechanical compression of vapor-IFV) proposing a completely analytical calculation scheme. With this calculation scheme sensitivity studies and optimization of these types of machines were developed, without having to use saturated vapor tables.The second part of the thesis presents the application of thermodynamic models (Direct Method, Finite Physical Dimension thermodynamics method, Schmidt's isotherm model and Finkelstein’s adiabatic model) in the study of Stirling engines – engines and machines that function on reversed cycles (receivers) and the confrontation of analytical results with the experimental ones. The Direct Method consists in the study and assessment of the irreversibilities generated in thermal machines by analyzing the cycle step by step (progressive) and the direct integration of the equation the First Principle of Thermodynamics combined with the Second Principle of Thermodynamics with finite speed, for each process of the cycle. This provides analytical expressions for power and efficiency or coefficient of performance COP, function of the speed of the processes and other geometric and functional parameters.