Fluorocarbon Turbines

Waste heat available at moderate temperatures (220° to 350°F) from a process stream or from low pressure steam is generally uneconomical for power generation. However, a fluorocarbon turbine developed by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., of Japan, can operate at these temperatures at reasonably good efficiencies . This type of turbine has been used to generate electricity and to drive directly the compressors of refrigerating machines. As in a steam turbine, a basic Rankine thermodynamic cycle is used for the fluorocarbon turbine, with thermal efficiencies ranging from 6% to 21%, depending on the vapor generating and condensing temperatures.

The potential benefit depends on the local power cost and the desired return on investment. In high power cost areas, such a system may prove to be attractive.