Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1733599 | Energy | 2012 | 10 Pages |
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.