Numerical simulation and low speed experiment of a low partially admitted rate axial turbine for small scale organic Rankine cycle

Abstract

High rotating speed is a prominent feature of turbine used for small-scale organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system, which can bring the problems of safety, reliability, sealing, vibration, economics, etc. Partial admission method has potential to reduce the rotating speed of small turbine. In this study, an axial turbine with low partially admitted rate of 0.033 was tested in ORC loop using R1233zde as working fluid, and numerically researched using Ansys CFX software with k-omega turbulence model. Results showed that the specific powers of turbine resulting from CFD should be corrected with losses to match well with the experimental results. Losses could reduce the optimal rotating speed of turbine. The optimal rotating speed, mass flow rate, power and efficiency of turbine under rated condition were 8000 RPM, 115.8 g/s, 611.8 W and 35.8 %, respectively. The corresponding power and thermal efficiency of ORC were 551.0 W and 2.15 %. The influences of inlet and back pressures on the performance of turbine were different. With constant inlet pressure and temperature, the mass flow rate kept almost unchanged after chocking, but the power continued to increase. Under allowable conditions, reducing back pressure of turbine played an important role in improving turbine performance.