Thermodynamic Optimization of Advanced Organic Rankine Cycle Configurations for Geothermal Energy Applications

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is commonly accepted as a viable technology to convert from low medium temperature geothermal energy into electrical energy. In practice, the reference for converting electricity subcritical simple ORC system. Over time, plants with more complex configurations (architectures) have been developed. open literature, large number of advanced architectures or introduced. An analysis scientific literature indicates that there some confusion regarding terminology certain system architectures. A new categorization has proposed, special emphasis on application basic division plant dual-pressure and dual-stage systems. this study, real potential improve performance compared configuration was explored. research conducted wide range heat source temperatures (from 120 °C 180 °C) working fluids. Net power output improvements (SORC) were examined. ability produce net different depends magnitude fluid type fluid. At lower value (120 °C), most 18.71 (kW/(kg/s)) realized by (DP configuration) R1234yf, while double stage serial-parallel low-temperature preheater in high-temperature (DS parHTS LTPH ORC) generated 18.51 combination R1234yf/R1234yf. 140 °C, three achieved similar values, namely (SORC), DP configuration, DS which 31.03 31.07 R1234ze(E), 30.96 R1234ze(E)/R1234yf, respectively. higher values (160 both SORC produced highest 48.58 67.23 isobutene 50.0 isobutane 69.67 n-butane configuration.