Benefits of Reciprocating Engines in Power Generation and Cogeneration

There are many different choices when it comes to the ways in which power can be generated. Among the options are combustion engines, rotary engines, Stirling engines, and many more. However, when it comes to cogeneration, or the combined generation of electricity and other energy (particularly heat), some engines are better than others. In this blog, we will look at the reciprocating engine and analyze the benefits it provides in both power generation and cogeneration.

A reciprocating engine, also known as a piston engine, is a heat engine that uses one or more reciprocating pistons to change pressure into a circular or rotating motion. There are three main types of reciprocating engines: internal combustion engines, steam engines (also a type of external combustion engine), and Stirling engines. All reciprocating engines use pistons to convert pressure into rotational motion, but different engine blocks do so in different ways. Different engine block configurations include in-line, V-engine, W-engine, and opposed engines. In-line engine blocks have one row of cylinders, V-engine blocks have two rows of cylinders meeting at a point, W-engine blocks feature a double zigzag of cylinders, and opposed engine blocks have two horizontal rows of cylinders.

The type of reciprocating engine will determine what arrangement the engine block will have, and the differing processes allow for a different process to be completed. That said, there are four basic steps that all reciprocating engines take. The first step is intake. In this step, fuel is introduced within the cylinder. This fuel is usually a mixture that gets delivered via the intake port which expands the piston all the way to the bottom of the cylinder. Step two is compression, wherein the piston is pushed from the bottom to the top, compressing the mixture of fuel and allowing the spark plug to ignite it. In step three, ignition, the spark plug ignites the fuel mixture which pushes the piston down to provide power to the engine. In the fourth and final step, exhaust, chemical waste is funneled out through the exhaust port and the cycle begins again.

Reciprocating engines have a number of benefits when it comes to both power generation and cogeneration. Primarily, they quickly provide incremental electricity, have high electrical efficiency, can use low pressure gas fuel, and have quick start-up capabilities, allowing them to start and stop rapidly. They can also operate at partial loads with good part load efficiency, and the characteristics of their exhaust heat make them ideal for producing hot water. Finally, they come in a range of sizes for differing requirements, can start up even when the grid has no power, and use significantly less water to run that traditional methods.

However, like all engines, they are not without their drawbacks. For example, they produce relatively high emissions, the engine cooling produces low grade heat, and if the heat is not used, the engine must be cooled. Additionally, reciprocating engines have high maintenance costs, require a substantial foundation, and can sometimes have higher levels of low frequency noise. Nevertheless, reciprocating engines are a great benefit to both power generation and cogeneration operations. Though their functionality is diverse, they are most ideal for use in non-industrial sites of smaller sizes that have a large demand for hot water.

At RFQ Experts, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of reciprocating engine parts in addition to other parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@rfqexperts.com or call us at 1-780-851-3631.