Solar Driven Organic Rankine Cycle (orc) - a Simulation Model
Abstract
In this work, an ORC-process driven by solar heat is simulated, analyzed and dimensioned for reliable electricity generation in remote areas, especially for refugee camps. The most common fluid for ORC-systems is R245fa. In 2022 this fluid will not be available because of the f-gas decree from 2015. Butane, pentane, R1233zd(e), R1234ze(z) are fluids with low global warming potential and are simulated in the ORC-process to analyze the performance and potential to replace R245fa. From the performance results, R1233zd(E), R1234ze(z) and n-butane have the potential to replace R245fa in organic Rankine cycles with low temperatures. Evacuated tube collector with the heat pipe system in low flow is found to be the best collector type for this application. 60 m ETC collector area is needed for the generation of 2 kW electrical power. The increasing thermal efficiency of the ORC with higher source temperatures has more influence than the decreasing collector efficiency. In conclusion, the solar driven organic Rankine cycle is a potential alternative off-grid power technology to generate reliable electricity in remote areas in the sunbelt area. The whole system as a container concept is simple, robust, low-maintenance, mobile and can power, for example, a medicate centrum and public light with 2kW.
Keywords
Organic rankine cycle, Low temperature waste heat, Working fluid, Solar thermal energy