What is kalina cycle

The Kalina cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used for power generation, particularly in applications where waste heat or low-temperature heat sources are available. It is a variation of the Rankine cycle and is designed to improve the efficiency of power generation by using a mixture of two or more fluids as the working fluid.

In the Kalina cycle, the working fluid typically consists of a mixture of ammonia and water, known as the Kalina working fluid. Unlike the Rankine cycle, which operates at a single pressure and temperature, the Kalina cycle operates at varying pressures and temperatures during the expansion process.

The key innovation of the Kalina cycle lies in its ability to utilize the temperature glide, or temperature difference, between the boiling points of the components in the working fluid mixture. This allows for better utilization of heat energy and improves the overall efficiency of power generation.

The Kalina cycle is particularly suitable for applications such as geothermal power plants and waste heat recovery from industrial processes, where the temperature of the heat source may vary. By optimizing the working fluid composition and operating conditions, the Kalina cycle can achieve higher efficiency and generate more power compared to traditional Rankine cycle systems.