Kalina cycle

The Kalina cycle® is a thermodynamic process for converting thermal energy into usable mechanical power.

It uses a solution of 2 fluids with different boiling points for its working fluid. Since the solution boils over a range of temperatures as in distillation, more of the heat can be extracted from the source than with a pure working fluid. The same applies on the exhaust (condensing) end. This provides efficiency comparable to a Combined cycle, with less complexity.

By appropriate choice of the ratio between the components of the solution, the boiling point of the working solution can be adjusted to suit the heat input temperature. Water and ammonia is the most widely used combination, but other combinations are feasible.

Because of this ability to take full advantage of the temperature difference between the particular heat source and sink available, it finds applications in reuse of industrial process heat, geothermal energy, solar energy, and use of waste heat from power plants (Bottoming_cycle).

Reuse of Industrial Process Heat

The Kalina cycle® has been shown to increase thermal power output efficiencies by up to 50% in suitable installations, such as Steel, Coal, Oil refineries and Cement production plants.

Several proof of concept power plants using the Kalina cycle® have now been built including two Kalina Cycle® power...
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