STUDY OF CHARACTERISTICS FOR TURBINE EXPANDER IN SOLAR THERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

The study of the aerodynamic characteristics of radial flow turbine expander was carried out, which was the key device of typical parabolic trough solar power generation system. The geometry structure of radial flow turbine expander in appointed working condition was designed;the numerical analysis of internal flow field was carried out to achieve the characteristics of expander in design working condition and non-design working condition. The research shows that the designed radial flow turbine expander can meet operation requirement;the whole flow of fluid in flow runner is good, there is a poor flow in the pressure surface of the impeller. The isentropic efficiency of the designed radial flow turbine expander can be maintained at 79% and more in the working range of the larger speed of revolution(85% n~120% n)and the larger expansion ratio(80% π~120% π), can meet the operating requirements of variable working conditions. The research result may provide the reference for the design and application of radial flow turbine expander in solar thermal power generation system.