Waste Heat Recovery Project
Waste Heat Recovery Project
THERMODYNAMICS
spring 2025
Major Task, assignment (project)
Industry-Based Seminar on
Thermodynamics Applications
Prepared by: Hosam Mohamed 20P7985 &
ahmed Mohamed abdou 20P5430
• Plagiarism Statement
"I certify that this report is original and has not been submitted for the
assessment of another course. I certify that I have not copied in part or
whole or otherwise plagiarized the work of other students or persons."
Signed: ___________________ (Ahmed)
Signed: ___________________ (Hosam)
• Abstract
This project explores the potential of recovering waste heat from
internal combustion engines (ICEs), specifically a diesel generator, for
electric power generation. A simple Rankine cycle is proposed as the
recovery system. Thermodynamic analysis is conducted to evaluate
available waste heat, estimate power output, and assess improvements
in system efficiency. The environmental and economic implications are
also discussed. The findings support the feasibility of using waste heat
recovery to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in
industrial applications.
1. Introduction:
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are widely used in power
generation, particularly in remote areas and industrial sites due to their
reliability and relatively low installation cost. However, these engines
are thermodynamically inefficient, with nearly 60–70% of the energy
from fuel being lost as waste heat through exhaust gases and cooling
systems.
Recovering this waste heat can significantly improve overall system
efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize environmental
impact. This project investigates the application of a waste heat
recovery (WHR) system to a diesel-powered generator, focusing on
converting exhaust heat into electricity using a simple Rankine cycle.
2. Literature Review:
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of utilizing waste heat
recovery systems in ICEs. The Rankine cycle, widely adopted in steam
power plants, has proven effective in converting low-grade heat into
mechanical or electrical energy. Research by X. Li et al. (2018)
demonstrated a 10–15% improvement in overall efficiency in diesel
generators integrated with WHR systems.
Technologies such as Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and
Thermoelectric Generators (TEG) have also been explored, though the
classic water-based Rankine cycle remains cost-effective and
mechanically simple for medium-to-high temperature exhaust
applications.
3. Methodology:
3.1 Selected System:
The system under study is a diesel generator with a nominal capacity of
500 kW. This engine typically loses around 30–35% of the fuel energy
through exhaust gases.
4.1 Assumptions:
• The diesel engine operates at steady state and delivers 500
kW of electrical power.
• Approximately 30% of the input fuel energy is lost as
exhaust heat.
• Working fluid: Water.
• Boiler (Heat Exchanger) pressure: 10 bar.
• Condenser pressure: 0.1 bar.
• No pressure loss in piping or heat exchanger.
• Turbine and pump efficiencies:
• Turbine isentropic efficiency: 80%.
• Pump isentropic efficiency: 85%.
Appendices
• Thermodynamic tables
• Sample calculations
• Efficiency graphs
(End of Document)