Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1733599 Energy 2012 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

The effect of using mixtures as working fluids in organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) is examined with a simulation model of the cycle that includes all elements of an actual installation. We consider several of the commonly used pure ORC fluids as potential components, discuss a mixture selection method, and suggest optimal concentrations. For heat sources at 150 °C and 250 °C, a potential increase of 16% and 6% in cycle efficiency is found. The electricity production at optimal thermal power recuperation can be increased by 20% for the low temperature heat source.

► The performance of zeotropic mixtures of several ORC working fluids is compared. ► An actual ORC installation with two heat source types is simulated. ► An increase in cycle efficiency is observed for both heat source types. ► The improvement is higher for lower temperature heat sources. ► Optimal thermal power recuperation can lead to a 20% increase in electricity output.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Energy (General)
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