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Thermodynamic Efficiency Maximum of Simple Organic Rankine Cycles

Author

Listed:
  • Aram Mohammed Ahmed

    (Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
    Technical College of Kirkuk, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk 36001, Iraq)

  • László Kondor

    (Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Attila R. Imre

    (Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
    Centre for Energy Research, Department of Thermohydraulics, POB. 49, H-1525 Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

The increase of the maximal cycle temperature is considered as one of the best tools to increase cycle efficiency for all thermodynamic cycles, including Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC). Technically, this can be done in various ways, but probably the best solution is the use of hybrid systems, i.e., using an added high-temperature heat source to the existing low-temperature heat source. Obviously, this kind of improvement has technical difficulties and added costs; therefore, the increase of efficiency by increasing the maximal temperature sometimes has technical and/or financial limits. In this paper, we would like to show that for an ideal, simple-layout ORC system, a thermodynamic efficiency-maximum can also exist. It means that for several working fluids, the thermodynamic efficiency vs. maximal cycle temperature function has a maximum, located in the sub-critical temperature range. A proof will be given by comparing ORC efficiencies with TFC (Trilateral Flash Cycle) efficiencies; for wet working fluids, further theoretical evidence can be given. The group of working fluids with this kind of maximum will be defined. Generalization for normal (steam) Rankine cycles and CO 2 subcritical Rankine cycles will also be shown. Based on these results, one can conclude that the increase of the maximal cycle temperature is not always a useful tool for efficiency-increase; this result can be especially important for hybrid systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Aram Mohammed Ahmed & László Kondor & Attila R. Imre, 2021. "Thermodynamic Efficiency Maximum of Simple Organic Rankine Cycles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:2:p:307-:d:476740
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. González, Johan & Llovell, Fèlix & Garrido, José Matías & Quinteros-Lama, Héctor, 2023. "A study of the optimal conditions for organic Rankine cycles coupled with vapour compression refrigeration using a rigorous approach based on the Helmholtz energy function," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    2. Daniarta, Sindu & Imre, Attila R. & Kolasiński, Piotr, 2022. "Thermodynamic efficiency of subcritical and transcritical power cycles utilizing selected ACZ working fluids," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    3. Attila R. Imre & Sindu Daniarta & Przemysław Błasiak & Piotr Kolasiński, 2023. "Design, Integration, and Control of Organic Rankine Cycles with Thermal Energy Storage and Two-Phase Expansion System Utilizing Intermittent and Fluctuating Heat Sources—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Daniarta, Sindu & Nemś, Magdalena & Kolasiński, Piotr, 2023. "A review on thermal energy storage applicable for low- and medium-temperature organic Rankine cycle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PA).
    5. González, Johan & Llovell, Fèlix & Garrido, José Matías & Quinteros-Lama, Héctor, 2022. "A rigorous approach for characterising the limiting optimal efficiency of working fluids in organic Rankine cycles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    6. Máté Zavarkó & Attila R. Imre & Gábor Pörzse & Zoltán Csedő, 2021. "Past, Present and Near Future: An Overview of Closed, Running and Planned Biomethanation Facilities in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-27, September.

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