MORE | Spring 2020

Thermodynamic Cycle and Efficiency Analysis of the Thermal Hydraulic Engine

About 20-50% of industrial processes input energy is lost as waste heat. The thermal hydraulic engine relies on the thermodynamic properties of supercritical CO2 to efficiently perform work. The research aims to investigate the amount of input energy that is utilized in a complete cycle of the engine to lift weights. Thus, the actual efficiency can be determined through experimental data and compared to the Carnot (theoretical maximum) efficiency. The thermodynamic cycle can be viewed on either a T-s (temperature-entropy) or p-v (pressure-volume) diagram. This will improve the efficient use of industrial waste heat and future work will look to optimize the thermodynamic cycle of the engine.