Energy and exergy assessments of modified Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs)

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical framework for the energy and exergy evaluation of a basic as well as three modified Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). The modified ORCs considered incorporating turbine bleeding, regeneration and both of them. The results demonstrate that evaporator has major contribution in the exergy destruction which is improved by increase in its pressure. The results confirm that the integrated ORC with turbine bleeding and regeneration has the highest thermal and exergy efficiencies (22.8% and 35.5%) and the lowest exergy loss (42.2 kW) due to decrease in cold utility demand and high power generation.

Keywords

• Exergy analysis
• Organic Rankine Cycle
• Regeneration
• Turbine bleeding