This paper presents a solar Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for electricity generation; where a regression based approach is used for the working fluid. Models of the unit’s sub-components (pump, evaporator, expander and condenser) are also presented. Heat supplied by the solar field can heat the water up to 80–95 °C at mass flow rates of 2–12 kg/s and deliver energy to the ORC’s heat exchanger unit. Simulation results of steady state operation using the developed model shows a maximum power output of around 40 kWe. Both refrigerant and hot water mass flow rates in the system are identified as critical parameters to optimize the power production and the cycle efficiency.
Volume Subject Area:
Combined Energy Cycles, CHP and CCHP
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