Performance characteristics and working fluid selection for high-temperature organic Rankine cycle driven by solar parabolic trough collector

Abstract In present paper, thermodynamic analysis and techno-economic assessment of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) coupled with solar parabolic trough collector (PTC) are investigated. The economic models, based on the principles thermodynamics heat transfer, as well dynamic analysis, developed for components combined system. By performing a parametric study, effects outlet temperature (TPTC,out) difference between inlet PTC (?T) pinch point exchangers thermo-economic performance evaluated. Moreover, under reasonable boundary conditions, optimal operational parameters obtained via Pareto frontier solution. It is indicated that improving TPTC,out beneficial to performance. Among fluid candidates, toluene yields best energy, exergetic There exists ?T at which thermal exergy efficiency achieve maximum. 19–26°C screened working fluids. evaporator has different impact system compared condenser. slight influence when it larger than 10°C. While there optimized condenser (7–8°C), optimal. exchanger main source total investment cost, account more 75%. solutions can provide design guide decision maker.