The promise of the Kalina cycle: Using an ammonia-water mixture, the Kalina steam cycle may permit thermal-mechanical-electrical energy conversion efficiencies of 45 percent

The principles of the Kalina cycle are described. In theory, the Kalina cycle can help convert approximately 45% of a direct-fired system´s heat input to electricity and up to 52% for a combined-cycle plant (a gas turbine produces exhaust, which enables a steam turbine to produce electricity). This compares with about 35% and 44%, respectively, for the steam cycle. Plans announced by the Fayette Manufacturing Corp. for building a prototype combined-cycle power plant utilizing the Kalina cycle are discussed.