Control variables and strategies for the optimization of a WHR ORC system

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a WHR (Waste heat Recovery) ORC system with positive displacement rotary expander has been analyzed and an optimal control strategy was defined to increase the system efficiency and flexibility. Input heat flow was varied in time by varying the heat source mass flow and inlet temperature, according to two different load cycles. Three different control strategy were implemented and compared. The first strategy was sliding pressure, where expander speed was kept constant and system power output was controlled by evaporator pressure variations. The second control strategy was sliding velocity, where expander speed was varied to keep the evaporating temperature to a constant set point value. The third control strategy was a combination of sliding-pressure and sliding velocity: the set point of evaporating pressure varied according to a suitable function of easily measurable variables, with the objective of maximizing system efficiency. A function of the heat source admission temperature and of the product of the volume flow rate by the admission pressure was used to define the evaporating temperature set point. This function was evaluated in steady-state conditions from the model of the plant. Results showed that the last control strategy, maximized system efficiency and flexibility, and that the control parameter chosen were suitable to drive the set point variation.