Bottoming cycle

Bottoming Cycle

The bottoming cycle is a term used in the field of energy production and thermodynamics. It refers to a process in which waste heat from a primary energy source, such as a gas turbine or a steam boiler, is used to produce additional power. This is achieved by passing the waste heat through a secondary power generation system, often a steam turbine or an organic rankine cycle system. The bottoming cycle is a key component of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which aim to maximize the efficiency of energy production by utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be lost.

Overview

The bottoming cycle is named as such because it is typically the second stage in a two-stage power generation process. The first stage, known as the topping cycle, involves the generation of power from a primary energy source. The waste heat from this process is then used to power the bottoming cycle. This two-stage process is also known as a combined cycle.

The primary advantage of the bottoming cycle is its ability to increase the overall efficiency of a power generation system. By utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be lost, the bottoming cycle can generate additional power without the need for extra fuel. This not only reduces the cost of power generation, but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of energy production by reducing the amount of fuel that needs to be burned.

Applications

Bottoming cycles are commonly used in a variety of industrial and power generation applications. They are particularly common in natural gas power plants, where the high temperature exhaust gases from the gas turbine can be used to generate steam for a steam turbine. They are also used in industrial processes that produce large amounts of waste heat, such as steelmaking and chemical manufacturing.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of bottoming cycles in renewable energy systems. For example, solar thermal power plants can use the waste heat from the solar collector to power a bottoming cycle, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the plant.

See also

• Topping cycle
• Combined heat and power
• Organic Rankine cycle
• Energy recovery