Components of an ORC Cycle

Schematic of an ORC system (R245fa is used here)
Schematic of an ORC system (R245fa is used here)

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a technology that can convert thermal energy at relatively low temperatures (80 to 350°C or 175 to 660°F) to actual work that can be further converted into electricity.

It is basically a thermodynamic cycle according to the Rankine principle but specifically uses organic fluids in order to have a boiling point at relatively low temperatures.

 

The heat is used to make the liquid boil and generate high pressure gases that will then drive equipment able to transmit torque to the shaft and create electrical power.
There are two main types of machines that are able to do this
• Turbine-based system
• Reciprocating piston-based system Continue reading “Components of an ORC Cycle”