Generating Renewable Electric Power and Reducing Carbon Footprint by Converting Low-Grade Heat to Electrical Energy

Recent technological developments in expander design and next generation refrigerants have made implementation of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) a viable strategy for converting low grade heat into valuable amounts of recoverable, green electrical power. This green process reduces the typical plants carbon footprint. A brief review of the technical drivers of a typical ORC design will be followed with examples of waste heat energy sources in a typical 50 MMGPY biofuels plant. A Case History will be presented for potential energy sources to drive the process that will include 1.) 15 psig steam / condensate return 2.) Boiler stack gas 3.) Dryer stack gas emissions with expected converted electrical energy yields. Impact of energy savings and reducing total plant carbon emissions will also be addressed.