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Modern Small and Microcogeneration Systems—A Review

Author

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  • Marcin Wołowicz

    (Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of Heat Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Piotr Kolasiński

    (Department of Thermodynamics and Renewable Energy Sources, Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Badyda

    (Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of Heat Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Small and micro energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the current environmental conditions. Especially, the production of electricity and heat in so-called cogeneration systems allows for significant primary energy savings thanks to their high generation efficiency (up to 90%). This article provides an overview of the currently used and developed technologies applied in small and micro cogeneration systems i.e., Stirling engines, gas and steam microturbines, various types of volumetric expanders (vane, lobe, screw, piston, Wankel, gerotor) and fuel cells. Their basic features, power ranges and examples of implemented installations based on these technologies are presented in this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcin Wołowicz & Piotr Kolasiński & Krzysztof Badyda, 2021. "Modern Small and Microcogeneration Systems—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-47, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:3:p:785-:d:491746
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