Comparative study of operation of condensing and traditional boilers equipped with the ORC module for electricity generation

Abstract

Condensing technology applied to boilers is to make full use of thermal energy contained in the fuel. That means that additionaly the heat from condensation of exhaust gases can be used for the purposes of heating the domestic hot water and to cover the demand for central heating. The study analyzed the operation of the “traditional” boiler equipped with the ORC module as the similar arrangement but with the condensing boiler. In the case of a conventional boiler there is noted a greater fuel consumption and the greater power generated than in the case of the unit with the condensing boiler. Postulated is the indicator in the form of a ratio of turbine power to the mass flow rate of fuel, which in turn gives a higher value for the condensing boiler, thus demonstrating that the operation of condensing boiler ORC module will be more economical. Perspective domestic micro CHP with ORC should be installed in boilers with recovery of heat from condensation from the exhaust gases.