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Flammability limits must be identified in order to assess and control handling risks of particular processes according to combustion product composition and environmental conditions. Thereby, the present paper aims to present a model that can predict flammability limits for ethanol-air blends with at different moisture concentrations by Kriging interpolation techniques. The model is based on experimental results to determine flammability limits of ethanol-air blends, and evaluate different moisture concentrations in ethanol composition. It has accurately predicted the flammability limits of ethanol-air blends at temperatures ranging between 20 °C and 210 °C, pressure values ranging from 40 kPa to 101.3 kPa, ethanol moisture concentration at 0.5% and 8%, and ethanol volume percentages from 1% to 35%. Thus, it is a valid tool to accurately and efficiently determine flammability limits of ethanol-air blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we propose to model a 7.5 kWe power generation system, implementing a Parabolic Trough Collector system, coupled to an Organic Rankine Cycle (PTC/ORC) and a bladder-type hydraulic accumulator system. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the behavior of the hydraulic accumulation system made up of 22 bladder-type accumulators of 60 L each, which operates as a backup to provide continuity in the generation of electrical energy. The model allows evaluating and analyzing the loading and unloading behavior of a hydraulic accumulator system, for intermittent conditions of solar irradiation, wind speed, and ambient temperature. The results show that for a power deficit in the system of 0.5 kWe, the compensation time for the generation of electrical energy would be 1 h and 51 min and for a deficit of 7 kWe, the compensation time would be 4 min. The model was designed as a convenient tool for dimensioning and integrating various energy sources in hydraulic accumulation systems and will allow analyzing the behavior of hydraulic accumulators as an energy backup system. • The modeled hydraulic storage system allows integrating a solar thermal system. • Dynamic behavior of electricity generation is evaluated according to weather conditions. • The valve control system maintains the operating conditions of the hydraulic motor. • Stability in the generation is guaranteed by using bladder type hydraulic accumulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]