Steady-state interconnected cycle modeling and experimental results of a lab-scale ORC

Abstract

ORC is one of the mature technologies for power generation from low temperature heat sources. In this study, the aim is to develop an accurate ORC model which is validated using reliable steady-state data. For this purpose, tests are carried out at four different heat source temperatures ranging from 80 to 110 °C to obtain data in a repeatable manner. The proposed model considers pressure drop and heat transfer correlations to improve the accuracy of model predictions. Using the refrigerant pump mass flow rate, thermal oil pump volumetric flow rate, cooling water inlet temperature, cooling water volumetric flow rate, the throttle valve outlet set pressure, and refrigerant pump outlet pressure as input, the model predicts the pressure, temperature, and mass flow rate in the cycle. The results show that the steady-state ORC model is significantly accurate, with ±1% deviations in pressure and ±1 °C in temperature, and ±5% in mass flow rate, heat transfer rate and refrigerant pump power predictions. The novel iterative model presented in this study includes pipe losses and significantly improves the simulation accuracy of ORCs with long pipes.