A low pressure thermodynamic cycle for electric power generation without mechanical compressor

According to the 2 nd thermodynamic law there is no compulsion to have an expansion from high pressure level to atmospheric pressure, the only reason relying upon the minimization of the plant volumetry which is just one of the overall cost parameters. A thermodynamic cycle without rotating machinery does exist in avionic applications like the RAMJET, in which air flowing at supersonic speed is compressed in a convergent duct before being heated in the combustion chamber and then expanded to a much higher MACH number. The concept discussed here, however, is referred to a physical principle of different nature. In fact the inlet air flow is quasi static, while the propelling kinetic energy is the residual energy following the gas combustion, expansion, cooling in Supersonic Flow and ultimately its fluidic compression in a convergent duct. The concept theoretically relies upon the so called 'Simple T0 change' transformation, according to which, in a Supersonic Flow at constant cross section and without mechanical dissipation, a decrease in the gas stagnation temperature (T0) will turn into an increase of its stagnation pressure. The paper discusses the feasibility of such a process, focusing on a specific conceptual application to a subatmospheric pressure, high temperature Brayton cycle getting to the conclusion that, even with the materials technology limitations, there is the potential for significant improvement of the actual thermodynamic cycle efficiency. (author). 6 figs.,1 tab., 2 refs