07-06-2009, 10:10 AM
The Kalina cycle is a thermodynamic cycle for converting thermal energy to mechanical power which utilizes working fluid comprised of at least two different components and a ratio between those components is varied in different parts of the system to increase thermodynamical reversibility and therefore increase overall thermodynamic efficiency. There are multiple variants of Kalina cycle systems specifically applicable for different types of heat sources. Several proof of concept power plants using the kalina have already been built.
The Kalina cycle was invented by the Russian engineer Aleksandr Kalina.
