Thermodynamic performance evaluation of a novel thermal station for self-augmented heating capacity during operating variations

Abstract

The increasing heating demand calls for a correspondingly augmented heating capacity of the primary heating network. However, due to the restriction of existing pipes, the heating capacity can be finitely increased. Therefore, based on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and vapor compression cycle (VCC), a novel thermal station is proposed to realize self-augmented heating capacity. Based on laws of thermodynamics, the mathematical model is constructed, and the dynamic performances of power generation and self-augmented heating capacity are analyzed. Results show that the supply water temperature of the primary heating network greatly influences the power generation performance. The self-sufficient electricity can achieve approximately 2000 h, accounting for 61.70% of the heating period. Additionally, the proposed thermal station can flexibly reduce the return water temperature of the primary heating network to 20 °C, thereby achieving self-augmented heating capacity. The self-augmented heating capacity rate can reach 53.56%. Therefore, the proposed thermal station demonstrates excellent self-augmented heating capacity, which provides a new path for satisfying the ever-increasing heating demand.