Numerical optimization of combined heat and power Organic Rankine Cycles – Part B: Simultaneous design & part-load optimization

This two-part paper proposes an approach based on state-of-the-art numerical optimization methods for simultaneously determining the most profitable design solution and part-load operation of Combined Heat and Power Organic Rankine Cycles. Compared to the usual design practice, the important advantage of such an approach is to consider the part-load performance of the Organic Rankine Cycle at the design stage. In this second part (Part B), first the part-load model and optimization algorithm are presented and tested. Then, the part-load optimization algorithm is combined with the design optimization algorithm proposed in Part A, and the simultaneous approach is applied to a real-world test case. Computational results show that, with respect to a design optimized for full-load equivalent hours, the solution optimized for part-load operation has a lower investment cost, better part-load efficiencies, and thus up to 22% higher annual profit. The optimized part-load control strategy uses the sliding-pressure mode in the high-load range, and a combination of sliding-pressure and throttling in the low-load range.